Checkpoints June 2001

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Spring, 2001

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PERSPECTIVE

From The

BOARD 66

With June week around the corner,

a

hearty congratulations to

members of the Class of 2001...”

Dear Fellow Graduates,

ith June Week just around the comer, hearty

will be expanded to include recognizing our Jabara Award

congratulations to members of the Class of

winner and presenting our recently established Distinguished

2001 as they prepare for graduation and the

Graduate Award. We hope to make this both a day of remem-

nd gold bars of a 2 Lieutenant in the world’s greatest Air

sister service and others are returning to their home country

bering our past and of recognizing the outstanding contributions of our graduates.

Another big event coming up 28 June is In-Processing

to serve—and I wish each of them much success as well.

for the Class of 2005. As has been the case since 1994, In-

W

Force! And yes, I know, a few have chosen to serve in a

I also want to express my sincere

Processing will be held at Doolittle Hall. I encourage grads to stop by and see this first-class operation hosted by the AOG staff and the local Rampart Chapter.

I’m delighted and proud of the outstanding success of the Sabre Society. With membership exceeding 700 and continuing to grow, we are seeing a great outpouring of support for the cadets, the Academy, and our AOG. The benefits are significant and long-lasting. Thanks to all who have joined and encouragement to

thanks to seven AOG Board members who will complete their term in July.

These dedicated folks have served our

association with distinction and have devoted countless hours working to move our

organization forward. Special thanks

to: Col (Ret) A1 Blumberg, ’68; Col (Ret)

Joe Burke, ’70; Capt Mike Casey, ’96;

Capt (Ret) Danielle Hargrove, ’85; Mr. Rod Jones, ’71; Col (Ret) John Kelly, ’65; and Mr. Brian Zawikowski, ’89. In many you’re wondering why folks are leaving the board, it’s due to downsizing from 18 to 14 members and to becoming a more conventional policy-oriented board, We now as opposed to a “hands-on” operational board. have an AOG staff of sufficient size and experience to do case

those who are still undecided. Believe me, it’s a very worthwhile commitment.

so

the day-to-day “hands-on” work.

Finally, I would ask that the 17,000-plus members of our AOG reach out to the 16,000 of our non-member graduates and encourage them to join.

All classes have non-members. In classes ’72—’92 over half of our graduates are non-members. We can, and should, do better. I think the AOG offers a lot of member benefits for a

You will note in this issue on pages 18 and 19 that

very reasonable annual/life membership fee. And I can’t help

Chief of Staff, General Michael E. Ryan was the keynote

but believe that the sense of loyalty and pride that every gradu-

speaker for the Founders’ Day dinner at Doolittle Hall, jointly sponsored by the Academy, AOG and the Rampart Chapter. As most of you know, Founders’ Day is celebrated annually at the Academy and at several of our local AOG chapters around the country. It recognizes the date in 1954 (1 April) when President Eisenhower signed legislation authorizing the Air Force Academy. I would add that beginning next year, Founders’ Day activities CHECKPOINTS,

ate of our great Academy shares, is best served through an

AOG membership.

Have a great summer.

Very Respectfully, Lt Gen (Ret) Marcus A. Anderson

Board Chair

SPRING

2001

3

contents spring / 2001 up front 3

BOARDROOM TALK

letters

7

CASUALNESS OF RECENT GRADS

from the past

9

FLASHBACK

columns

12

INSIGHTS/ COMMANDANT'S CORNER

64

CHAPTER NEWS

66

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

72

SPORTS

79

CLASS NEWS

70

WALDO F.

DUMBSQUAT

features spotlight

36

OUT OF THIS WORLD Col. Susan Helms, ‘80, and Lt. Col. James Kelly, ‘86, played integral roles in the most recent space mission to the International Space Station.

cover

story

72

CADETS TAKE TO THE RING FOR CHARITY AOG support of the Wing Open helps raise $17,000 for two children

battling life-threatening diseases.

profile

24

A CONVERSATION WITH ANDI BIANCUR Andi Biancur, ‘60, establishes a $150,000 Charitable Trust and refleets about his feelings on the AOG and the Academy.

gymnastics

73

WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS WIN NATIONAL TITLE Air Force edges the competition to win its first-ever team title in the

finals of the U.S. Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships.

ON THE COVER WING OPEN 2001

perspective

22

"I'M NEW. KICK ME!"

Keeping it in perspective: A few words for the Class of 2001 and anyone else who cares to listen from 2nd Lt. Jeremy Eggers.

4

CHECKPOINTS contents

cont.

spring / 2001

off the shelf 11

NEW FACES

17 OLMSTED SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATE OFFICERS Board Chair Marcus A. Anderson, ‘61

Board Vice Chair WilliamW. Maywhort, ‘68 President & CEO James A. Shaw, ‘67

Secretary Martin T.Daack, ‘66 Treasurer

JohnT. Moore, ‘78 STAFF President & CEO

James A. Shaw, ‘67 Vice President, Development

GaryS. Howe, ‘69

20 REMEMBERING JOCK 27 A DIFFERENT KIND OF FAMILY 28 HONOR 32 CADETS VOLUNTEER 34 100TH NIGHT 37 HONORING THE HUMAN SPIRIT 38 A FRIEND REMEMBERED

39 CADETS REPRESENT WITH DISTINCTION 40 RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY

Vice President, Information Services

41 SKY HIGH

Charles A. Denham, ‘67 Vice President, External Communications Richard S. Rauschkolb, ‘70 Vice President, Services Richard H. Downing, ‘70 Director of Marketing & Media Bob McAllister Director, Constituent Services

42 PILOT SLOTS REDUCED

Wayne Taylor BOARD OF DIRECTORS

44 HELPING OTHERS

46 ACADEMY ASSEMBLY 48 MILITARY TRAINING LEADERS

book review 30 A RETURN TO GLORY

Designated Director James A. Shaw, ‘67 To Serve Until 1 July 2001

LD Fortner, ‘59 RW Yates, ‘60

CHECKPOINTS (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is published quarterly in March, June, September and December by the Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy.

MA Anderson, ‘61

(Phone: 719-472-0300, DSN: 333-2067. FAX: 719-333-4194, E-mail: aog@aog-usafa.org.)

JJ Kelly Jr., ‘65

It is provided as part of a membership package of which the magazine subscription

VC Andrews, ‘66

WWBoistureJr., ‘67

annually accounts for $10. Single copies of CHECKPOINTS for members $2.50. Periodicals postage paid at the U.S. Air Force Academy, CO and additional mailing offices.

AEBlumbergJr., ‘68

POSTMASTER: Send change ofaddress to CHECKPOINTS, Association of Graduates, Doolittle

JG Burke, ‘70 RLJones, ‘71

Hall, 3116 Academy Dr., USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.

DLHargrove, ‘85 B J Zawikowski, ‘89 MB Casey, ‘96 To Serve Until 1 July 2003

Opinions expressed in this magazine are those ofthe authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the Association of Graduates, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not

JPUlm,‘61

constitute an endorsement by the Association of Graduates of the products or ser-

AV Rogers, ‘64

vices advertised. Copyright, Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy,

WWMaywhort, ‘68

June 2001.

DJPalenchar, ‘70 JT Moore, ‘78 J A Merritt, ‘89

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letter to the very decade or so, something appears in CHECKPOINTS that induces me to re-

E spond.

By Kirk A. Yost, Lt. Col. ‘80

In this case, it was the letter provided by John J. Gallagher (’70).

A similar letter appeared in CHECKPOINTS shortly after I graduated. It too was written by an older graduate working for the Air Force as a civilian, and it was much more

blunt. I distinctly remember that this individual claimed that recent graduates he saw were

“indistinguishable from the herd” and lacked the qualities that set apart his contemporaries.

I thought about responding to this letter, but I didn’t for two reasons. First, I was a

brand new lieutenant, and I wanted to keep a low profile for a least a little while. Second, I felt the author had done such a good job of insulting graduates of all the other commission-

ing sources (which at that time, had produced every general officer in the history of the Air Force) that refutation from me was unnecessary.

If there is one historical constant, it is that service academy staffs will

always have to deal with disaffected alumni. When Douglas MacArthur was

P

the superintendent of West Point, he often spoke of having to contend with

\

^

-

the DOGs (Disgruntled Old Graduates). I also personally attended a lecture

by Vice Adm. James Stockdale, a hero by every measure, who explained that he only ran the Citadel for a year because, after receiving so much torture from professionals, he saw no reason to volunteer for more from amateurs

(the Citadel graduate community).

I have a recommendation for dissatisfied graduates who feel compelled to write such a letter. Go ahead and write it. Instead of

sending it to CHECK-

POINTS, send it to your contemporaries who are still on active duty or are senior decision makers in the Department of Defense. Ask them why they have allowed such things to occur.

I’m sure the answers will be most enlightening.

dis-

As for me, I am not distressed about the “casualness” of recent graduates, nor have

tressed about the casualness

any of them burst into my office to demand to be called by their first names. They (and

“As for

me, I

of recent

am

not

graduates...they

their contemporaries) deploy and fly combat every day, and have racked up a pretty

(and their contemporaries)

impressive record. They have little tolerance of lousy management practices and know

deploy and fly combat everyday, and have racked up a pretty impressive record.”

their options in life, but I view those as strengths. As for cell phone use

-

well, this is just

not something that worries me.

In closing, I find it interesting that Mr. Gallagher singles out for praise the Marine

Corps, the only branch of the service that does not have a dedicated academy.

Respectfully, Lt.Col. Kirk A. Yost, Class of 1980

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FROM

THE

PAST

Flashback s

DUSTY NUTS

A-

I read my fall copy of Checkpoints I was ,

saddened by reading obits of friends who had

passed away, then inspired by articles about the innovations transpiring at USAFA When I came across the article

about how tough Gal. Simons had it way back in the ‘70s, I recalled

something that happened back when it was really, really tough.

I

t was the summer of 1957 when

part of the base where the infant Air Force Academy was located until the permanent site was ready for occupancy, we lived in old wooden barracks held together secured by gigantic nuts. During doolie summer, (doolie being a portman-

teau word for dumb on

USAFA’s third graduating class entered at Lowry AFB in Denver. On Lowry II, that

willie) I had the privilege of occupying a room where two of those bolts secured the building. The nuts

the inside of the building were painted the same color as the room and were barely noticeable to the untrained eye.

In those days, a cadre of highly trained officers acted as upperclassmen until the Academy had four classes and there was a

bona fide upper class. One Saturday morning during a SAMI (short for Saturday Morning Inspection) an ATO, (short for Air Training Officer) who must have been afflicted with OCD, (short for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) was having trouble finding anything for which to gig me. I stood at attention, watching him out of the corner of my eye, as he looked and looked for something so he could write me up. At last he was successful. “Aha,” he announced as he swept his whitegloved hand over the nuts on the wall. “Damn,” I thought, “I forgot to dust there!”

The following Monday, on the demerit list, my name stood out with a distinction quite singular. On the list was an entry

that read: “Heriza, R.L., 2 demerits—Dusty Nuts.”

£091 By Robert Heriza, ‘61 ATO RECALLS PARADE

T

he presidential inauguration brings back fond memories for retired Lt. Col. Charles F. Emmons.

He led the first Academy formation to

take part in an inauguration parade, Jan. 21, 1957, for the second term of

President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The entire cadet wing, only two classes at the time, marched in the parade.

Active duty first and second lieutenants, serving as upperclassmen for the first three Academy classes, filled out the ranks. Emmons was one of 134 Air

Training Officers (ATO). As the cadet wing commander, he led the formation in the inauguration parade.

“Knowing that it was the first time the Air Force Academy participated in the presidential inaugural parade was thrilling. Even though the ATOs were not bona fide cadets, it was a unique experience,” Emmons said.

Eleven C-124 Globemaster IIs flew a handful of cadets and officers to Washington. The Air Force used several airlifters to prevent an accident from wiping out the entire Academy cadet wing, Emmons said. all of the staff that worked with the first three classes. In hundreds of different ways “They called us ‘Lowry Pioneers’ the staff contributed to many of the traditions that are still part of cadet life today because we were acting as cadets in the junior and senior capacities,” Emmons said. “The first classes consider the air training officers their mentors. It was our job to set the example.”

Emmons recalls the inauguration parade march was seven miles long and physically demanding. He now lives in Monument, Colo., and has some advice for cadets who march in future Inauguration Parades. and appreciate the significance.”

“Enjoy it —

...

By 2nd Lt. Angela Arredondo

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2001 9

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BEHIND

THE

SCENES

Heather Wilson named to the Board Of Visitors ■ new

T

board of visitor

he first Academy graduate in Congress, Rep. Heather Wilson of New Mexico, has been appointed to serve on

the Academy’s Board of Visitors. The Board of Visitors

inquires into the morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other matters relating to the Academy.

“I am honored to have been chosen to serve on the Board of

Visitors,” said Wilson. “The Academy shapes the leadership of tomorrow’s Air Force and I look forward to helping to make sure we meet the

challenge.”

The Board of Visitors has 15 members. The President of the United States appoints six members. The other nine board members are from either the Senate or House of Representatives. Presidential appointees are designated for a period of

“I am honored to have been chosen to

three years. Each of the additional nine board members serves a

serve on

minimum term of one year.

shapes the leadership of tomorrow’s

the board ...The Academy

A distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in

Air Force and I look forward to

1982, the Congresswoman was a Rhodes Scholar and earned her

helping to make sure we meet the challenge. ”

master’s and doctoral degrees in international relations from

Representative Heather Wilson

Oxford University in England. The class of 1982 was the third class with women at the Academy.

While at the Academy, Wilson commanded Basic Cadet

Training in Jack’s Valley and was Vice Wing Commander.

Wilson is the only woman veteran in American history to have

served in the U.S. Congress.

As an Air Force officer she worked with our NATO allies and in the United Kingdom. After leaving the Air Force in 1989, she

became Director for European Defense Policy and Arms Control on the National

Security Council staff at the White House.

Wilson serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Commerce Committee.

The congresswoman was

first elected to serve the citizens of New Mexico’s First Con-

gressional District in a special election on June 23, 1998. She was re-elected to her second full term on November

7, 2000.

CHECKPOINTS,

■

SPRING

2001 11

COMMANDANT’S

CORNER

insights

by Brig. Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, ‘76, Commandant of Cadets

H

owdy! I hope that 2001 is proving to

nation’s high schools and colleges. The use of “club

be a great year for all of you, and that

drugs” such as ecstasy, ketamine, blue nitro, and LSD

you are

having

as much fun as we are

here at USAFA! The academic year is

crankin’ right along and the cadets are doing a great job as we

try to give them more and more decision-making

is on the rise. While our problem is very small com-

pared to other schools, substance abuse at any level can never be tolerated at the Air Force

Academy. We are

doing everything in our power to identify everyone

authority in the day-to-day operations of the Cadet Wing.

using illegal substances, or abusing legal ones. At this

The Class of 2001 (hard to believe, isn’t it?!) is ready to do

writing, approximately one percent of the cadet wing

the “rear mirror” thing and get on to the great careers they

has been interviewed by Security Forces investigators

have in front of them in the Air Force. Those of you who

or the OSI.

will lead/supervise/train ‘em in the near future will be

Court Martial and sent to the Military Disciplinary

impressed; they’re great young folks and will bring a ton

Barracks at Ft Leavenworth for distribution and/or use

of talent and enthusiasm to the fight.

of illegal drugs. Two other cadets received Article 15s

Allow me to bring you up

Two cadets have already been convicted by

and General Discharges (under Other Than Honorable

to speed on a couple of things

Conditions). Five other cadets have had charges

that have been going at our

preferred and are awaiting courts. We expect that

Academy. You’ve heard of

UCMJ action will be taken against five additional

some, but probably not all of

cadets once investigations are completed.

them.

Wish they were all good

cadets have been severely punished under the cadet

news

stories...but since they’re

disciplinary system for not reporting the use of illegal

not, let’s start with the ugly stuff.

substances, even though they were not involved in that

| Substance Abuse At the top of the list are

use themselves.

Twenty-five

We think we are nearing the end of

this process and have identified all the cadets involved.

the drug incidents that have been

As you can imagine, there’s been some turmoil

in the news for the past couple

associated with all this.. .and there should be!

Even

cadet doing these things is unacceptable, and all of

of months. We became aware of cadet involvement with

one

illegal substances during September and October of last

us need to

year. The good news is that the problem first came to

each and every cadet, and cadet candidate, fully under-

light when cadets reported substance abuse by other

stands that drug use and substance abuse WILL NOT

cadets. We had another group of cadets self-admit and a

and CANNOT be tolerated, by anyone at USAFA,

couple more were identified through the random

especially the other members of the Cadet Wing. Rest

urinalysis program.

Our problem is clearly a reflec-

tion of a much bigger problem in many of our

CHECKPOINTS, 12

do everything humanly possible to ensure

assured that 99 percent of the Cadet Wing already understands that.

They were as shocked as we were

SPRING

2001

COMMANDANT’S

CORNER

“Even one cadet doing these things is unacceptable, and all of us need to do

everything humanly possible to ensure each and every cadet, and cadet candidate, fully understands that drug use and substance abuse WILL NOT and CANNOT be tolerated...” '

| Inauguration when all this came to light. Part of our reemphasis has been

On a much happier note...

adjustments to our random urinalysis program that improve

On 20 January 2001, a formation of 83 cadets repreth

deterrence, and detection, of ecstasy use. Ecstasy is the current

sented the Academy in the 54

“cool” drug of the high school and college crowd and is only

Parade. The contingent was composed of 24 cadets from

Presidential Inauguration

detectable for a limited time with our current testing procedure.

Cadet Squadron 33, the Outstanding Squadron for 1999-

We are also looking at new testing processes (e.g., hair testing

2000, as well as several cadets from each of the other 35

vice urinalysis) that may allow us to simplify our testing program

cadet squadrons. Cadets from the other squadrons were

while yielding better results. Lots of study/work to be done in

chosen on a merit basis. This was the twelfth time a forma-

that area; we’ll update you during your next reunion weekend.

tion of cadets marched down Pennsylvania Avenue to salute a

A

lcohol also remains a problem area

-

as

it

newly inaugurated president.

C/Lt Col Eric Hendrickson,

has been for many, many years here. To try

CS-33’s Squadron Commander, did a superb job leading the

,and meet both these issues head on, we’ve

contingent during the parade and throughout the early

kicked off a new alcohol and drug education program. This

morning practices leading up to the deployment. The cadets

innovative program focuses on trying to help cadets make

struck a blow at our perceived “terrazzo gap” when they

positive choices about their own drinking as well as helping

asked to conduct their parade practices at 0545 each morning

them prevent alcohol and substance-related problems for

in order to include cadet aviators and intercollegiate athletes

themselves and their classmates. Rather than taking a

selected to participate in the inaugural parade. We were

short-term reactive focus, we’ve dedicated a member of the

awfully proud to send these great representatives to Washing-

Center for Character Development to develop and assess a

ton, D.C. for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and got rave

This approach provides a single program

reviews on their conduct and performance from officials

long-term plan.

director the authority to implement a proactive approach to

running the inaugural activities. (See story on page 39.) peaking of the “terrazzo gap,” I get lots of

alcohol and drug education across USAFA mission elements.

questions about performance/treatment of

The goal is to have a positive impact on cadet

intercollegiate vs. non-intercollegiate cadets.

social norms using a peer-based strategy. Sounds a little

“fuzzy,” I know, but I think it’s got a chance of

To give you a little different perspective than most of my

success...and doing nothing is simply not an option. This

callers have on this issue, I asked the Training Group to give

program is more than just

telling cadets not to drink or

me some

examples of leaders on intercollegiate teams who

abuse drugs. It’s about giving them the information they

exhibit the same great leadership up on the Hill. Here’s what

need to make the right choices and right decisions for

they sent me:

themselves and to take care of each other. It’s about being

-

C/Lt Col Scotty McKay is one of many cadets who

responsible—to self, to others, to regulations, and to our

excel militarily in the Cadet Wing and athletically on an

laws. Sometimes we all forget that the great majority of our

intercollegiate team.

cadets don’t binge drink, use drugs, or abuse legal sub-

List five times and held key cadet leadership positions

stances.

We’re going to try and make them the foot soldiers

He’s been on the Commandant’s

such as Squadron First Sgt. Group Training NCO and,

currently, Squadron Commander of CS-01.

in this battle. Wish us luck.

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2001

13

COMMANDANT’S

CORNER

His accomplishments on the

Mike spends a large amount of his time as a two-

football field are impressive:

sport athlete. He was the Mountain West Conference

1999 Team MVP, 1999 Team

(MWC) Offensive Player of the Year in Football and

MV Back, and only the third

led the Falcons to a bowl victory against Fresno

running back in Academy

State. The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame named him

history to rush for over 1000

their Collegiate Athlete of the Year. He was a Third-

yards in his career. He also

Team Baseball All-American last year and led the

holds the school record for

MWC in hitting. Mike was named a preseason

most touchdowns in bowl

Baseball All-American this year and is currently in

games. Not surprisingly, he’s made the Athletic Director’s

the middle of another great season.

List every semester. He’s also made the Superintendent’s

President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’

list three times, so obviously he excels academically and

militarily,

too!

Right

now every indication is that he’ll

Special Programs in Religious Education (SPIRE).

Mike has proven himself in all areas of the Academy

finish his last semester on the Superintendent’s list and

experience. He recently opted to pass up on coach-

graduate with over a 3.0 cumulative GPA, MPA, and PEA.

ing football at USAFA next year in order to start pilot

An impressive feat...and an impressive young man!

-

C/Col Scott Becker has

training at an earlier date and get out into the operational Air Force as soon as possible.

also been able to find a

here are many, many more

balance between academics,

examples I could offer.

athletics, military duty, and

you hear a horror story about an

When

community involvement.

intercollegiate athlete getting preferential treatment,

While at the Academy, he’s

do me a favor and please make sure you’ve got all

earned a 3.8 GPA in Civil

the facts before you repeat the story (I’d be glad to

Engineering while playing

help there). We have too many outstanding young

fullback for the Falcon

men and women

football team. On the field,

Academy life to simply lump them all into just

working hard to excel in all areas of

his leadership and hard work earned him a coveted

“intercollegiate” and “non-intercollegiate” pots.

scholarship from the College Football Hall of Fame. In the

prefer to break the Cadet Wing down into “Super-

Cadet Wing, he is currently the 2nd Group Commander,

stars” and “The other five percent!”

responsible for over 1000 cadets. He is also active in the soccer team

in Colorado Springs.

-

as an

I

■ Airfield/Airmanship

Fellowship of Christian Athletes and coaches a youth

14

Mike is also

Lots of great stuff going on down at the airfield as well...

C/ILt Mike Thiessen is a

ur

34th Operations Support

devoted officer candidate and

Squadron and the civil engi-

athlete at USAFA. Mike

neers from the

10th Air Base Wing

demonstrated his military

have been busy justifying, procuring and spending $3M on

leadership during his Firstie

reconstruction of all aprons, taxiways and runways on the

year as 2nd BCT Com-

Academy airfield. We recently completed construction of

mander, leading a staff of

a new

over 500

million. A new, state-of-the-art control tower is pro-

cadets and 1300

42,000-square-foot sailplane hangar worth $3.2

Basics. 2nd BCT was highly

grammed as the #1 Military Construction (MILCON)

successful, and Mike gained

project for the entire Academy. We continue to support

valuable leadership

unbelievably successful flying/jump programs with the

experience that he applied

best airfield management team in the Air Force. Come

Element Leader during both semesters this year.

CHECKPOINTS,

see us;

we’d love to show you the changes!

SPRING

2001

COMMANDANT’S

■ COMMANDANT’S CONT.

CORNER

USAFA Alternative Spring Break Program (ASB) is

dedicated to helping people in their time of need, while

O

ne of the most exciting initiatives in the

at the same time giving our cadets an opportunity to

history of USAFA airmanship programs is

participate in an activity that would be hard to arrange

taking shape as I write. For the past 18

on their own.

Although there is guidance from an

months, members of the 94th Flying Training Squadron and the

accompanying Academy officer-in-charge, cadets use

34th Operations Group have been pursuing a complete replace-

their own leadership and teamwork skills to accomplish

ment of all USAFA sailplanes and motorgliders to give us an

the ASB goals, from the planning process to the actual

even better and safer

soaring program. While the replacement

of our USAFA “Warbirds” will bring a tear to the eye of those who left the nest for their first flights in these historic aircraft, the advantages offered to our cadets by

a new fleet are too

great

spring break event. During Spring Break 2001 cadets went to: -

The Shiprock, New Mexico, Home for Women

and Children. This home shelters victims of domestic

to ignore. The Air Staff recently validated USAFA’s first

violence and provides domestic violence education.

Operational Requirements Document (ORD). The ORD details

Cadet volunteers worked in the shelter in varying

what we’re looking for in our new aircraft and we’re at the

capacities. The shelter is in a Navajo community, and the

As with all military procure-

week included involvement in Navajo cultural activities.

merge in the fight for funding.

ments, the timing of a replacement purchase of 40 sailplanes

-

Boys and Girls Clubs in Denver, CO.

Here the

and motorgliders, at a cost of about $4 million, is yet to be

cadets worked with Club members aged 6-18 in a

determined, but could happen anytime in the next two years.

number of education and technology programs, athletic

This should allow us to train our cadets in even safer, more

leagues, and at their social recreation center.

reliable aircraft, and offer every cadet a better opportunity to

complete our Soar-for-All program and solo a USAF aircraft for

-

Eagle Mount in Great Falls, MT. Cadets helped

with programs that challenge people with disabilities. The

Additionally, cadets who choose to represent

programs included horseback riding, skiing, swimming,

USAFA by qualifying to become one of our soaring competition

hiking, rafting and a children’s day camp. Each program

pilots will have a far greater chance for success than we are able

had a common goal of increasing the disabled participant’s

to provide them today. We think the extra degree of motivation

self-confidence and self-awareness.

the very first time.

that an initiative like this brings to the Cadet Wing will have a

direct impact on the motivation of those same cadets to serve as career

pilots in our Air Force. I believe the potential return on

Our three cadet teams started planning and

coordinating their activity last fall. And every cadet

participant paid his/her own way. To a person, they’ll

investment in that area alone justifies the cost of the program. We’re

say it was a phenomenal experience.

getting great support from the Air Staff on this initiative and we’re

starting to plan for next year...and their stories have

keeping our fingers crossed that it happens sooner, rather than later.

many others wanting to join the effort. One of the things that

They’re already

never ceases to amaze me about the Cadet

“THIS SPRING BREAK

capacity for noble behavior; this is just another example.

22 cadets chose to give up Cancun,

to

Wing is its

he United States Air Force Academy’s

South Padre Island, Daytona Beach...

Malham M. Wakin Character Develop-

help the less fortunate in our country.”

ment Award is a formal way to recognize

significant acts that are consistent with the Academy

|

Character Development

definition of character and Air Force Core Values. The

ne of our three Air Force core values

“Service before Self.”

is

award honors Brigadier General Malham M. Wakin,

Many members of the

Cadet Wing regularly promote this value

USAF, Retired, whose 40 years of leadership, teaching, and mentoring USAF Academy cadets, faculty, and staff

through community service. This Spring Break, 22 cadets

embody the very ideal of character development. The

chose to give up Cancun, South Padre Island, Daytona Beach

award is presented during the National Character and

or a visit home to

help the less fortunate in our country.

Our

CHECKPOINTS,

Leadership Symposium each spring, and is given to

SPRING

2001

15

COMMANDANT’S

CORNER

■ COMMANDANT’S CONT.

nice to see their enthusiasm for learning and having fun,”

graduates, cadets, or personnel assigned to the Academy who have made significant contributions to cadet character development. Past recipients include: Lt. Gen.

Bradley C. Hosmer, USAF (Ret), former USAFA Superintendent; the Academy’s Department of Chemistry; Brig Gen. Ruben A. Cubero, USAF (Ret), former Dean of Faculty; and the USAFA Preparatory School’s Center for Character

Development. This year’s recipient is Cadet Firstclass Catherine Adams of Cadet Squadron 26. This great young

professional devotes an incredible amount of time to making life better and more fun for people who aren’t as lucky as we are.

She’s a very special young lady and will be a sensational

officer and leader in our Air Force. And she’s absolutely

deserving of this prestigious award.

W

feeling of what it was like back when we were young.”

The Scouts, Scouters, Webelos and Explorers spent the weekend camping outside, learning about the

Academy, earning merit badges and having fun. The boys viewed glider demonstrations, learned about model airplanes and saw attack dog simulations. All the activities the youths enjoyed were organized by cadets.

Drew Koch, 11, a second-year Webelo from

Breckenridge really enjoyed the hang gliders and model airplanes.

“It’s fascinating,” he said.

“They told us how they

work. It was great. Yes, I think the Academy is very

cool.”

ell, enough from me. If you get out to the ‘ol stomping grounds, please check in

and say hi. It’s always great to see old friends or

make new ones.

Cadet 3rd Class Jason Vanoverbeke. “We can get a

And the Commandant can never

get enough

As for the coolness of the weather

-

there was very

little freezing in the Freezoree weekend.

“[It’s been] normal for us but I bet for other people it’s bad,” said Garrett Pearson, 12, also from

good advice from folks who’ve “been there; done that.” So

Breckenridge who met some cadets from warmer New

please feel free to contact me at mark.welsh@usafa.af.mil,

Mexico.

or call

(719) 333-4290 (DSN 333-4290), with any con-

cems, complaints, questions, or compliments (!) for these

“They’re really cold.”

remote control airplanes and gliders.

“It’s terrific,” said Dick Shaffer, Breckenridge’s

great young cadets we’re so privileged to lead. We’re here

scoutmaster.

to serve; we welcome your help; and we’ll keep doing our

warmer here than it

level best to ensure our Air Force has even better leaders

for the conflicts to come!

■

“The cadets do all the hard work. It’s a lot

is up in Breckenridge.”

Freezoree is more than just a chance to throw

snowballs, build forts and watch planes, according to

BEAT OKLAHOMA!!!

-

Pearson also loved the

Shaffer. It’s an opportunity to see what other troops do

Boomer

and what equipment they use.

“You leam a lot,” Shaffer said. “

■YOUNG TROOPS VISIT ACADEMY

“They love it.”

Here’s a chance to get in with other Scouts and

other troops,” he said. “It’s a bigger world than they [the

Scouts] thought it was.”

■

By Jennifer Brugman

Falcon Stadium parking lot is the perfect place for a

snowball fight, as more than 3,000 Boy Scouts found out the weekend of Feb. 3-4.

“They’re so enthusiastic and energetic,” said Cadet 2nd Class Benjamin Youngquist. “It’s good to be around them and have fun. It’s nice to get back to our Scout roots.”

“It’s a lot of fun working with Scouts because it’s

16

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

200 1

BEHIND

THE

SCENES

Olmsted n

Scholarship

rrogram

Olmsted Foundation

presents three service academies

with

a

$100,000 grant.

S

uperintendents from the

week educational trip to Vietnam, funded by

three largest service

this program.

academies

-

of a communist society as it competes in the

the U.S. Naval

st

global markets of the 21 century.

Academy, U. S. Military

Academy

More

importantly, the students will be immersed in

Academy, and the U.S. Air Force -

They will study the economy

the culture of this unique society as part of

each accepted a check on

March 28 for $100,000 from the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation. The money, which represents the

their educational experience.

The George and Carol Olmsted Foundation also

first of a long-term multi-year commitment, will be used

funds the Olmsted Scholar Program, established in

to create a “Tri-Service Academy Midshipman and

1959. This program offers educational grants to nine

Cadet Overseas Travel and Cultural Immersion Pro-

officers (three each from the Navy/Marine Corps, Air

gram” that will:

Force and Army) for two years of graduate study in a

•

fund service academy student and study abroad

foreign country. The general purpose of the program is to

encourage joint experiences for

broadly educate young career military officers who exhibit

overseas travel •

students from all three academies •

foreign language and other educational experiences in a

encourage cultural immersion in non-

extraordinary potential for becoming this country’s future military leaders. Since 1960, 330 military officers have

English speaking countries around the world

completed two years of study abroad under this program.

facilitate the academic departments

“This new program will provide unprecedented

from USMA, USNA and USAFA in working

opportunities for students at the three service acad-

closely together to plan and coordinate joint

emies to be language-educated overseas and to broaden

efforts to study abroad

their cultural experience through international travel and

•

Executive Director Rear Adm. Larry Marsh, USN

exposure,” said Vice Adm. Ryan. “We’re all grateful to

(Ret.) USNA (‘63) presented the checks from the

the Olmsted Foundation for the foresight and support of

Olmsted Foundation at the U.S. Naval Academy in

this tri-service effort.”

Annapolis, Md. Air Force Academy Superintendent

According to Rear Adm. Larry Marsh, “This is a

Lt. Gen. John Dallager, Naval Academy Superinten-

unique chance for the three academies to work more

dent Vice Adm. John Ryan, and Military Academy

closely together and for our foundation to offer a

Superintendent Lt. Gen. Daniel Christman were present

wonderful overseas travel opportunity that will enrich

at the Naval Academy to receive the checks.

the entire educational experience for these fine

This year, for the first time, students from all three

students. We’re thrilled to help make this possible.” ■

of the service academies will participate in a three-

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2 0 0 1

17

FOUNDERS’

DAY ONE

GRAD’S

PERSPECTIVE

By Bob Muldrow ‘67

thought you might enjoy some anecdotal comments about Founders’ Editor’s note:The Academy celebrated Founders

’

Day on 7 April at Doolittle

Hall The gala marked the 4 7h anniversary of the establishment of the Acadenty. On l April 1954, President Dwight

Eisenhower signed the bill authorizing the creation of the Air Force.

I

Day from one grad’s perspective. Before I start though, I would like to say this was the most successful Founders’

Day event ever.

All

who worked on it should be proud of a job

well done. Now for my abbreviated version of what some of you may have missed.

Jim Shaw, AOG President and CEO, was our cohost. He began the formal proceedings with a quick

slide show of the Academy’s progress over the last 47 years. Doesn’t seem that long, does it? I especially

liked his slide of the gal looking over her shoulder back in 1976 as she approached the “Bring Me Men” ramp. It has always been one of my favorites. seems so

She

sassy and self-confident—kind of saying,

“I am ready boys, throw your best at me, because I am here to stay.” She and

her fellow (our fellow) grads have made an indelible mark on our collective

heritage. In fact, Jim mentioned that one of our female grads (Susan Helms) could not make the festivities that evening, because she was out circling the Earth somewhere in a space station. As you all know, Gen. Ryan was our guest speaker.

He spoke briefly

about some of the happenings in Washington as they

transition from one presidency to the next.

You can

also read in other periodicals about his strategic vision

7 * n > V

*

for the future, but what I found to be a lot of fun was his recollection of his relationship with another four-star who was seated at his table. Let me set the stage for those of you who were not present.

Back in 1964,

C1C Ryan had a smiling Doolie

named Eberhart in his squadron.

Gen. Ryan recalled

their relationship as one of being “buddies.”

The mention of being “bud-

dies” almost caused Gen. Eberhart to fall out of his seat. Upon further re-

flection, Gen. Ryan began to recall things with a different twist. Appar-

ently he got cross-wise with the Commandant and was spending a lot of his

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2 0 0 1

PERSPECTIVE

M Founders’ Day cont.

first class year on the tour pad.

So much so that his Loretta

Lovely, Jane, was getting used to coming down from Denver just to wave to him as he wore holes in the bottom of his shoes.

Thus, we all began to envision how one or two pent-up firstiefrustrations may have been released on some underclassmen,

especially underclassmen with smiles as contagious as Cadet Eberharf s. But now almost 40 years later, one remembers that time with one spin and the other remembers it with a signifi-

cantly different spin.

There were many other minor magic moments found

throughout the evening. For example, Jim Brown ’59 wore the original Cecil B. DeMille-designed cummerbund and bow tie used by the first classes. I had never seen

an outfit that

bright a blue before.

Since he could not hold his breath for a

couple hours, Jim elected not to try to wear his cadet pants.

My wife Dale visited with her classmate, Jane Morgan. That normally would not be newsworthy, except that Jane Morgan is now the wife of our guest speaker.

The Cadet Chorale’s 11-person acapella ensemble brought the evening to a

fitting end. They were terrific. The cadets certainly enjoyed the opportunity to close out the evening singing and sharing the stage with the Ryans, Eberharts, and Dallagers. That about wraps it up. We filled the entire Doolittle Hall ballroom floor. Folks were turned away. I hope those of you who were thinking about coming, but procrastinated, will mark your

calendars for next year—especially if you are from my class. I am getting so tired of seeing all that tacky red from 1966, but they certainly do a great job supporting various Academy events. ■

□

The First Pitch

USAFA and USNA

astronauts open

baseball season at Camden Yards.

Astronauts Bob Curbeam USNA ‘84 and Tom Jones USAFA ‘77 threw out the first

pitch at the season opener for the Baltimore

Orioles and Boston Red Sox.

BILL. INGALLS/NASA PHOTOGRAPHER

□

Sabre Drill Team wins awards

USAFA’s Sabre Drill Team poses with their trophies after placing first and second in “2-man trick” in the

competi-

tion held 22-25 Feb. at Cornell

University.

Visit us on line at www.aog-usafa.org

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2001 19

PERSPECTIVE

Call

Remembering Jock

Last

Editor’s Note: On 28 Feb, Col. (Ret) Jock Schwank ‘60 retired from the Association of Graduates after serv-

ing 12 years as Vice President, Services. Jock was also a critical player in the AOG’s early years.

His vision and dedication contributed immensely to building the AOG into the quality organization it is today. His years of service to the AOG in one capacity or another spanned over 25 years. The Academy and the AOG owe Jock a deep debt of gratitude for his years of outstanding service. On 16 Feb, the AOG Board of Directors honored Jock with a farewell dinner. Following are

his remarks to the attendees.

done. I suspect everyone in this room knows board members who sacrificed career progression or personal financial gain when they stood up for the graduate community in times of discord. I sure know some of them. To this day we ask board members to take time off from their civilian enterprises or their military jobs to represent their fellow graduates, and to represent them at their own personal expense. We have asked for an exceptional commitment from the early days of working board meetings every two weeks in faculty offices, to monthly meetings and finally today’s policy setting quarterly meetings. We wouldn’t be in this building on this site if it wasn’t for a very courageous board that voted one afternoon to

build this building, and to build it here on

this beautiful site. How many of you remember the pressure on us to buy the old Zuider Zee for our headquarters, or to build a new building on land

outside the Northgate.

There are still a few grads

who are upset about our final decision to be here on the Academy grounds.

We would not be the AOG we are today if Gen. Skip Scott hadn’t made a personal commitment to ensure that the AOG would survive in the early days of our forced independence he made sure we got the building site, the building design and the Academy support we needed to survive. Gen. Scott epito-

BY JOCK

SCHWANK

hank you to Danny Showers for the wonderful

T

sounds

-

his entire family epitomizes the meaning

nearly all superintendents and their senior staff mem-

And what a special treat to have Dr Joe Galema

bers throughout our history.

and the cadets perform

-

my classmates may remember that it

Where would our fund raising be today if a

was at our 30th reunion we started a memorial ceremony tradi-

board in the

tion that has enhanced every reunion since 1990. Joe and the

background, hadn’t authorized us to begin our

cadet chorale have participated in every reunion memorial cer-

first annual campaign

emony held in the cadet chapel since that first time at our reunion.

that first brochure and headed that first campaign

early 80s, without a fund-raising -

A1 Blumberg (‘68) wrote

with lots of hope and work and zip in back-

It has indeed been a fun trip. And we have indeed come

ground. Look where we have gone from such

long way since I first joined the board a long time ago and subsequently became an AOG employee 12 years ago. Thanks Wayne Kendall for encouraging me to start this most enjoyable part of my life as an AOG vice president.

But the point I’d like to make tonight is that we would not be where we are without the people of the AOG that I have had the pleasure of serving with. We have all shared in the accolades as to how smart we were to hire Dick Coppock whose true leadership took us to unimaginable heights. But we wouldn’t be where we are today without board members over the years who demonstrated both tenacity and vision, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and get the work

humble beginnings.What a trip it has been in

a

CHECKPOINTS, 20

mizes the dramatic support we have received from

of commitment to the Academy and to the AOG.

membership -boards that have taken us from less than 40 percent membership 20 years ago and around a third of that in life membership, to today where more than half of all graduates are members and 80 percent of them are lifetime members. And the importance to all of us with the emergence of the cadet life membership program and more recently our involvement with cadets in purchasing class rings, graduation announcements and the graduation commemorative

project.

SPRING

2001

PERSPECTIVE

We have come SO far and the great part

is that the we

J oumey has only begun.’

forget the importance of behind the

ike Randy Cubero & Pearl Swafford of the Falcon Foundation and individuals like Jess

Crane, whose friendship, advice, personal sacrifice and experience have been invaluable to us as we go down new trails.

I remember the battles along the way on whether or not we should offer services or remain a

fraternal organization.

primarily

It is hard to imagine an AOG

that doesn’t offer the services we offer today. Yet the

critical risks we initially took to offer those services are

faded memories of our past.

We take the joint job opportunities program for

granted.

I remember the discussions on whether or

do you remember that only one AOG staff member, Tom Kroboth, handled the entirety of both of these publications until two years ago?

Our new web site serves all of our constituents very well, ter

-

get involved this dramati-

but recall that when we started to develop it two years ago,

cally and this intimately with the other academies.

Individuals from all the academies put huge personal and professional commitments on the line to ensure that this dramatic, and first, cooperative effort was

with string and butcher paper, we could not afford to hire a

successful.

it in a professional state that we can all be proud of. We are

not we really wanted to

Where would our services programs be if board

members hadn’t personally stood up for programs they

thought were important to our constituents: one of many examples would be Bill Richardson’s (‘71) personal commitment to ensure the success of the graduate dependent scholarship program. And the personal commitment of my classmate, Andi Biancur, who, among other things as a board member, spent his own funds to come help the services staff with reunion

registration, taking tailgate tickets and helping with car parking.

We have truly come a long way, but where would we be without the tremendous AOG

been able to hire to serve you to serve you

-

-

staff that we’ve

the board of directors;

the graduate community; and you

-

the

academy.

It has only been in the last five years that I’ve

qualified computer web master. So a staff member, Wayne Taylor, with literally no background in website systems, taught himself all the details necessary to build the site and maintain

all so comfortable with our information technology capabilihave we forgotten that it was only five years ago that Chuck Denham developed the system that allowed us to run

ties

-

our own

database independent of the Academy. And, now, generation of computers with software

we are on our second

capabilities that were only dreams when we moved into this building. Bill Richardson, a board member, got us the first system and John Moore, a board member, got us the second system so we can serve our folks even better.

And, so we’ve come full circle we’ve come a long way, -

but we would not have made it without the work and commitment of the people of the AOG: your Board of Directors and

your AOG staff members.

We have come so far and the great part is that the journey has only begun.

It has been a fun ride and I thank you all for allowing me to go along on the trip with you.

been able to hire someone in services at more than minimum wage. And, yet, somehow we were able to

get dedicated people who were willing to work long

Thank you again for tonight.

hours, often at night and on weekends, to ensure that we

truly served our constituencies. Whether it was

reunion support or accurate database input or help-

ing with golf tee-times, the staff was there for you.

We, your staff, are there to help welcome the new class, commission the graduating class, host graduate wedding receptions, and sadly, assist in funerals.

Jock/

We are all proud of Checkpoints and the Regis

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2001 21

PERSPECTIVE

Keeping it in Perspective: A few words for the Class

'"I'm new. Kick me!”

of 2001 and anyone else who cares to listen.

Graduation!

“Men and women in

I

the class of 2001, you who are no doubt still

t remains one of the most memorable moments in my

life,

and I suspect many others would agree. Its the final bit of

punctuation—an exclamation point!—on a sentence that

took four years (or more, for some) to write. Graduation day is a

emotional

whirlwind with enough energy and emotion to make any adrenaline

high, get ready be-

junkie jealous. Perhaps that is why we forget, though only momentarily, that there are many more sentences left to write.

on your

cause more

there are many lines to write in

your stories...”

Men and women in the Class of 2001, you who are no doubt still on your emotional high, get ready because there are many more

lines to write in your stories.

And, be prepared to write some questions marks—lots of them—soon.

For me, it must have been 60 days after graduation, and it hit—

hard! Life as an “L-T” wasn’t going to be a cakewalk.

“You might say it’s the rite of passage phase for officerhood, but it certainly isn’t the last one: you go through it every time you advance to some new

level or job,” said Lt. Col. Tom Krise (’83). “But,

second lieutenancy is special because those butter-colored bars are like a sandwich board declaring: ‘I’m new, kick me!”’

That’s hard to deal with when you’re a firstie on top of the USAFA world. “My Dad, an Air Force lieutenant colonel, warned me a

that the biggest demotion in the Air Force would be going from

USAFA firstie to a second lieutenant—how right he was!” said

Col. Dick Rauschkolb (’70). “Nevertheless, it is something most, if not all

grads, need to endure. The ‘Real Air Force’ is indeed different

than the sterile confines of the Zoo!” That’s exactly what a firstie or new grad needs to hear; yet it’s taboo to some degree. Most every day of a cadet career is spent with

thoughts like “Everything will be great when I leave this place!” Nobody wants to hear that another challenge lies ahead.

Question marks?

So, Class of2001, as you embark on your Air Force career, prepare to don the “kick me”

sign, and prepare to ask yourself some questions.

Why do people look at me in an odd, detestable way?

First, remember that sign: “I’m new, kick me!” Seriously, though, the answer is found in respect—the type you are owed by virtue of your rank and the most important type, that which you earn.

“A tough thing about being a second lieutenant is that you bear the brunt of having to justify the class stratification of the armed forces.

NCOs, especially, are eager to make sure that you recognize that respect is something that needs to be earned, even (or perhaps especially) when

degree of institutional and customary respect is accorded you because of your commission,” said Lt. Col. Krise. “And, more senior a certain

officers are eager to ensure you don’t embarrass the officer corps more than usual.”

Work on earning respect—don’t assume you have it.

Why don’t I have more responsibility?

The responsibility is there, and it’s mosdy found in learning your

job; it’s important to know your role. “Second lieutenants are a little like journeyman officers (where cadets are the apprentices): not quite masters of the craft, but still members of the guild,” advises Lt. Col. Krise. (continued next page) CHECKPOINTS, 22

SPRING

2001

PERSPECTIVE

■ “Kick Me” Cont.

Why is it so damn hard to get things done? fter a month at Schriever Air Force Base, I was “in charge”

A

.

of organizing the base’s POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony. The logistical details were daunting, and I was

clueless—had no idea where to begin. I relied heavily on my NCOs, folks who had been on station for years and who knew how to make

things happen. The enlisted network is where things really get done; and it, you first have to take care of your troops.

Dad told me to take care of my enlisted troops—they would “My

to tap into

make or break my career. That was probably the best piece of advice I ever

received,” said Col. Rauschkolb. “Time and time again these great

troops saved this lieutenant’s bacon because they knew I would always stick up for them and cut them some slack if they needed it.”

As with Col. Rauschkolb, my troops saved me then, and they continue to do so.

When do the trials and tribulations of“L-T” life end?

Many I’ve talked to say it ends when your gold bars turn silver.

Seems to me, though, that even after that happens, and in ranks beyond, it’s still possible to wear that “kick me” sign, however unknowingly. So, recognize that you wear the sign early on and work to get rid of it. You’ll know when it’s gone—people will stop kicking

“Second lieutenants are a

little like

journeyman officers (where cadets are the

apprentices): not quite masters of the craft, but still members of the guild,’’said

Lt. Col. Krise

you in the ass.

The First Year....

Being a second lieutenant hasn’t been easy; then again, I don’t recall anyone saying that it would be. One of the first things you begin to realize is how

big of an impact the so-called “little things” can have,

whether positive or negative. The way you wear your uniform, the time you go to work, as well as the time you leave—everything, how-

seemingly mundane, makes an impression. That ties into the responsibility of supervision. I’m fortunate to have two great NCOs working for me (one of whom was recendy selected for OTS!). I share in their triumphs and in their hard times as well. Your troops rely on you, just as you rely on them, and that’s an obligation that absolutely ever

deserves the most careful attention and energy.

Perhaps one of the greatest responsibilities I have had in my first year was as a jury member on a court-martial involving an airman first

class who pled guilty to numerous specifications of dormitory theft.

The airman was sentenced to reduction in grade to E-l, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, a bad conduct discharge, and one year of confinement. That’s a stark contrast to serving on an honor board where the greatest punishment is dismissal, which is not lenient by any means, but certainly not comparable to a bad conduct discharge, which stays on

one’s record forever, not to mention jail time.

For the future pilot trainees out there, my impression is that it’s

very similar to what everyone is told and anticipates. The days—long, the studying—intense, and the stress—incredible. I heard from a Co-

lumbus UPT student and classmate, 2 nd Lt. Marta Blizniak, who told a story of how some members of her UPT class hadn’t passed a test, and in return, the entire class was denied flight suits for yet another

week. A punishment, I suppose, or perhaps a motivator? I couldn’t

help but think that it sounded a bit reminiscent of doolie year. Still, my pilot classmates, at least those I’ve talked to, are having some great times, despite the Herculean task of becoming Air Force pilots.

CHECKPOINTS,

Would I do it all over again?

For the Class of 2001, the transition to second lieutenant is a welcomed one. There is no doubt in my mind that it certainly

beats being a cadet. 2 nd Lt. Dorothy Deluz perhaps put it best. I asked her, “If you could be a cadet again, would you be?”

“Does hell look like a nice vacation spot?” she said. “Hell no!”

Despite the great times you will have by virtue of newfound freedom, there are still some tough times, professionally and oth-

erwise, that you will have to work through. And all those questions—don’t forget them.

Not too long ago, the “kick me” sign was flashing brightly— it was a particularly bad lieutenant day. I was in search for some perspective when I asked Lt. Col. Krise and Col. Rauschkolb—“If you could be a second lieutenant again, would you be?”

“I guess I’d have to say that I would go through the pain of being a second lieutenant again, just to get to the rest of my USAF career, which has been great,” said Lt. Col Krise.

“There were plusses and minuses,” said Col. Rauschkolb, “but it was a good experience once you realized it was a great chance to

learn about your profession.”

The positive responses were reassuring, and should be reassurring to all second lieutenants out there (and for the rest of you who still wear the “kick me” sign). Col Rauschkolb’s parting shot to me. “Best advice-be humble!” It’s the best advice for all. ■

By 2LT Jeremy Eggers

SPRING

2001 23

PERSPECTIVE

A CONVERSATION

WITH ANDI ndi Biancur’s eyes still

light up

when he talks about his affection for the Academy.

His feelings are so

strong that he recently established

a

$150,000 Charitable Trust to beniflt the AOG and the Academy in the years to come.

[Checkpoints] sat

down in mid-

February for a conversation about his

thoughts on the Academy and how it has affected his life. Andi Biancur ‘60 in his own words.

CHECKPOINTS: Andi, please tell us a little bit about

year point, it became important to come back, just as—

yourself and your background? |

I think—it is to many graduates.

ANDI:

My name is Andrew Biancur, middle initial

W. for William. a test

People call me Andi...My father was

pilot in the Army-Air Corps. He was killed very

reason I want to

I guess the major

stay connected to the Academy is be-

cause those four years

give you a lot. And I’d say they

gave me everything I have today.

I guess you can’t

early in my life—I was six years old—at Eglin test fly-

say everything—but most things. It gives you a group

ing the YP-61, the Black Widow.

About three days

of friends who are lifetime friends. I’m very fortunate

after my dad was killed I walked up to my mom and

to have those; the whole class, as far as I’m concerned,

said “Mommy, I’m going to be just like Daddy.”

is very close.

That, to me, meant being a pilot in the Air Force. From

wouldn’t have that without the Academy. The careers

that point on, I focused on West Point—a fairly clear

we’ve had and any gain we have gotten out of life

direction to go.

started there. And I feel, to some extent, that it’s im-

My mother was a schoolteacher, and she came home |

portant to recognize that it all came from somewhere

one

day and said, “Hey, there’s this new place called

We have been all of our lives and we

and it’s important where that is.

the Air Force Academy.”

CHECKPOINTS: I understand that you have decided

At that point, my focus changed. I was lucky enough

to set up a Charitable Remainder Trust for the Acad-

to get admitted in 1956, and graduated with the class

emy. Why did you decide to do this?

of 1960.

ANDI:

The big moment came after pilot training

Let’s go back to the beginning.

I served on

when my mother came and pinned my dad’s wings on

the AOG Board in the ‘80s—before we were even

That kind of meant to me: “Well, I’m just like

thinking about Doolittle Hall. We got into fundraising

me.

Daddy.”

and I found out what benefits a new building would

So, I had a career in the Air Force until I retired in

provide, not only for the graduate community, but for

1986. Like most people who graduated the Academy

the cadets here in school. The AOG serves the gradu-

in those early years, I didn’t want to have a damn thing

ates and the Academy,

to do with it for many, many years. But at the 15-20

without putting the Academy first. I watched [the build-

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2 0 0 1

but it’s tough to raise funds

PERSPECTIVE

ing process of Doolittle Hall] and I was involved, to

ger, faster because if they’re not then we’ve done some-

degree, with the entire fundraising process and

thing terribly wrong. Hopeful y, we learned one way and

some

the maturing of the fundraising capacity. As the Sabre

were able to

Society came on board, I felt I wanted to be part of

proved capabilities and improved equipment, we have a

that, initially. As Gary Howe started talking about other

better product. I feel proud about that; we have done what

ways to give, the Charitable Remainder Trust concept

we can to

and “bequeathing” gifts back to the Academy became

kids today are probably a heck of a lot better; better offic-

a very viable alternative. I saw that would be a way to

ers, quicker pilots.

provide the Academy with some more resources and I

CHECKPOINTS:

was

in a position that I could do that. A Charitable

improve on that; with improved learning, im-

make it better for each succeeding class.

The

<

on that.

Let me as

you a follow-up question

Do you think the AOG plays a role in making the

Remainder Trust rolls over after your death, but dur-

environment better for cadets and should it become more

ing your life it produces income, builds the trust, and

involved in doing so?

Do you think the Academy’s gradu-

ate

community has that kind of influ-

pays off the management fees. For

ence—like West Point?

example, the individual can choose

IF YOU’RE

different rates of return—six, eight,

LUCKY ENOUGH

ANDI:

I think they have a role and it

10 percent—and there can be tax

OR SUCCESSFUL

has to start in the school. It has to

benefits from doing that. I did what

ENOUGH- IT’S

start in the first four years, with the

I felt fit my needs at the time.

IMPORTANT TO

AOCs, with the leadership at the

you

RECOGNIZE THAT

Academy and with the first class

have a lot of pride and emotion for

ITJUUr A ME FROI

training the fourth class.

CHECKPOINTS:

I

sense

the Academy and its graduates. Can

■►IT’S IMPORTANT

you describe that in words?

ANDI:

derie start. I think the AOG can

support that in two ways. The first

Yes, I feel pride in the

way is that the association can be

Academy, in the Air Force and in my country.

there to support the Academy structure

The old West Point

and stay closely attuned to the

“Duty, Honor, Country” is very obvious.

The responsibility that goes with that is an

example for those who follow.

I think that

is where the bonding and the camara-

The role model that

training.

Once the kids leave the Academy, we just have

to be there for them.

There wi 1 be a time when they’ll

back and say, “You know, I had a good deal.” And

grads set goes a long way in being an element in ca-

come

det character development. I feel that responsibility.

the AOG has to be constant enough so that they have

I think we should all feel that responsibility. I think

something to come back to.

it’s important for us to be here, on a casual basis for

CHECKPOINTS: What was the toughest time you had

the rest of our lives, to form that role model for the

as a cadet?

young [cadets].

ANDI:

CHECKPOINTS: What do you think of the cadets

especially during that first summer, was to listen to my

today versus the cadets in your era? Obviously there

peers. The quick example: three of us were doing push-

have been changes, but has the climate or environment

ups and getting yelled at.

of the Academy changed from when you were here?

“Maybe if you do it this way, they won’t yell as much.’

ANDI: Let me answer that two ways. The obvious

My first thought was, “Who the hell is he—telling me

answer

is, in the early years, I think there was more

The biggest lesson I learned at the Academy,

The|guy next to me said

how to do this? He’s down here with me!” But a good

bonding within the wing because we were smaller.

lesson is to listen. You can learn a lot from your peers.

We were “the underdogs,” the unproven.

Now, it’s

And I fought this program like crazy that first summer.

institution; I feel that the 227 gradu-

I got called in by my flight commander, who said “You

ates in my class were closer than a squadron or group

know, you’re one of the three bottom guys in the class.

today. Now, to answer that in another way: I hope

You’re not gonna last long around here.”

that today’s kids—cadets—are smarter, better, stron

serious “get straightened-out” meeting and, fortunately,

an established

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2 0 0 1

Well, I had a

PERSPECTIVE

| BIANCUR CONT.

■LETTERS FROM 2004

I was able to recover from that because I was told early

“Sometimes you get discouraged because of certain situations here at the Academy. But if you find a moment to just reflect on where

enough. That was a big lesson.

CHECKPOINTS: You talked a little about the most difficult times. What do you think were the most enjoyable times?

you this far.”

Cadet 4th Class Foster-Loggins, cadet squadron 32

—

The most enjoyable times... The 1958 football

ANDI:

season was

just unreal. We went to a lot of the games; it

was the first year we were

in Division 1 of NCAA and we

started winning and just couldn’t believe it. An undefeated season

you are, you find beauty and pride throughout this institution. You can’t help but praise God for allowing you to be here, and bringing

and the Cotton Bowl. The “cardiac kids.” That was

“Blood, sweat, and tears. Throlgh all these things we have realized we are a team. We we learned that no matter how tough we think we never fail.

wonderful time.

was

us to take on the cadre.

That whole senior summer; the

leadership experience that we got then, and right on

through the year, was great.

“Basic Cadet Training rang one single truth over and over in my soul: It’s not the size of the dog in the fight that matters, it’s the

size of the fight in the dog.”

Cadet 4th Class Matthew Terry, cadet squadron II

—

Of course, then graduation— “The most important

you can’t top that.

CHECKPOINTS: Is that when the saying came about: “The best view of the Academy is from your rearview mirror?”

at first, but it really Bs help ween you’re getting punished and

you see five strangers fush up to get punished with you. It really eases

CHECKPOINTS: How do you think your time at the

Academy and since has prepared you for the success

to put my life on the line for this nation.”

Cadet 4th Class Geoffrey Ryan

you’ve achieved?

[USAFA] gives you the basis—knowledge-wise.

We were very fortunate to get a smattering of things back

then; we didn’t specialize in any career field, so we had

English and math. That gave me a very good basis; I didn’t feel that I was a specialist in any field, but I felt I had a

good basis to branch out and do anything. I believe, although the Air Force is different now, that the school still needs to train leaders and not specifically doctors or pilots.

This is where the leadership of the Air Force comes from; I

&

H

“My experiences at the Academy have helped me to build a strong sense of pride in my country—a pride so strong that I am willing —

ANDI:

the stress.”

Cadet 4th Class 4K Agosto, cadet squadron 18

Well, that started with the class of ’59—I think—

and we picked it up.

tj^g

1 learned is to support your classmates.

If one gets in troublowou tak«ie rap with him. It sounded stupid

—

ANDI:

j

Cadet 4th Class fPPjwf^^Mangunt, cadet squadron 7

Senior year—the whole senior year—

great. It started with senior summer, when they trained

f

for war!”

—

a

are, we are thaBnuch stronger has one. Together we

More than a tafnn, a family, the class of 2004 is ready

Woolf, cadet squadron 25

“The only thing that

l^p mywfirit in basic training was the friendships that I developed ipthe short six weeks we spent together. The friend|hips that Bave developed during that time will last a lifetime. 1 will be

them my brother an®ister.”

Cadet 4th Class Jemey Almn Gould, cadet squadron 32

—

“

pjold to call each and everyone of mj

During basic training, I learned how important it is to work as a

team. I never thought I would have to rely on people I didn’t even

know to be successful. Now, those people are very important to me, and I would do anything to support them.”

—

think a leader needs to have a broad basis. The Academy

Cadet 4th Class Amoy P. Jackson, cadet squadron 1

gave me enough information—although all general—that I

“The most important thing that I have gained from training here at

could build on it and go many different directions. It

the Academy is integriy It is not easy to live by the high standards that the Academy derands olone’s personality, but once integrity

develops a thought process; it develops logic and a certain amount of discipline that you need to lead. The Honor

Code becomes the basis of your life.

United States Air Force offiHrs are called upon to do, and

[The Honor Code] gives you a good moral basis to make

judgments necessary later on in life when the ideal situation of an Academy isn’t there. You can’t just live by the Honor Code—you’ve got to make adjustments to get

through life.

It gives you a basis; the basis of my thought

process is honor, it’s truth. ■

is woven into one’s|personality,§Ioing the right thing becomes almost a reflex. Making the right decision in a split second is what

integrity is the keystone of that ability.”

Cadet 4th Class John Rogers Langston, cadet squadron 7

—

“The most important thing I have learned so far is how to manage my time. But I have also realized how good my mom’s cooking was, how much fun I had sailing with my family, and how much I

miss my dog.”

—

Cadet Fourth Class Austin Lon Lovejoy, cadet squadron 19

C H E C K P O I NTS, 26

SPRING

2001

PERSPECTIVE

A Different kind of

BYC4C <

7

BREEZY

M.

CS08

LONG,

His-piece is in commemoration of Cadet ‘Third Class (DanielT. Murphy, Cadet Squadron 8, VnitedStates Air Torce J4cademy. It

describes the TATS Vigil held in his honor, four days after his death in a tragic car accident. Ad of the rights in the Cadet Area were turned off, the curtains of every room closed In service dress and in silence, the Cadet ‘Wing lined the terrazzo around Spirit Hid (Barely surviving the

waif outside, the cadetsfound themselves in place only with the support of one another. Andfinally I have found words to express the sense that I have felt since Ifirst arrived here. The moment I was bacfin my room, 16egan to write. Now I can only pray you will listen,

VCe are a crew unlike any other in this country, or in this world. Serving in the military, we are more than just our nation’s defenders; we are each

other’sfamily. Losing a 6rother or sister in arms, to anyfate, nearly destroys us ad But we endure hecause we have each other. No

matter who we are, where we come

from, or what our secret dreams may he, we are still one unit, onefamily, one heart. And our ties with one

another cannot he severed; they are thicker than blood Tor even if not together in body, we forever embrace in spirit.

Classmate, friend, brother

—

Murph, this family will miss you, but you will always be with us.

"e were all there. Probably just a few

was how it was meant to be. God

hundred had actually known him, but it

why. We were breathless. And it hurt.

W

didn’t matter. We were all there.

At the last resounding note, our arms

The whole place was dark, except the sky. The night

sky had this surreal glow, like one last light left on in heaven

only knows

fell back to our sides. With the first words

of High Flight we brought our covers down,

-

,

maybe it was. The wind was blowing so hard we could barely

too.

stand upright; then it would slow; then run full force again. He

with angels’ voices—maybe they were.

was

They sounded like they were singing Then it was our turn.

playing with us. Good of Murph. Always good for a laugh,

“Here’s a toast to the host of those who love the vast-

especially when you needed it most. Finally, one time the wind

ness of the

slowed and calmed, and stayed that way. In a long, rippling line we all came to attention.

It was time.

gether as one...

They called his name over the still grass. This was real.

“...To a friend we send the message of his brother men

It wasn’t a nightmare. This was really for our Murph. We were

who fly...” That was him. That was us. This was ours. We were

all there. And then it played: Amazing Grace. The hollow cry of

all there...

the bagpipes was flawless, beautiful and terrible. We held our

“...We drink to those who gave their all of old. Then

breath. There was more. All was not grace tonight.

down we roar to score the rainbow’s pot of gold...” We were

almost there. Almost there.

We raised our hands in salute. It was coming. The sound

“..A toast to the host of men

of them cocking the rifles uttered a warning. Crack !—the first seven

around us, until... CracA/—the next

seven

boast the US Air

We had made it together. Even Murph. For the wind

pierced straight

had settled around

us on the ground, but the American flag, along with his golden, class-colored flag, flying half-mast over

through the core. This was no dream. And it wasn’t over yet... Crack !—the final seven. We were broken. Breaking for

our

him, and for each other.

across

we

Force.”

shots were a stinging shock. Our eyes blinked. It echoed

And then it was sealed.

sky...” We had to find our voices, somewhere, bur-

ied in the pit of our stomachs. And we whispered in song, to-

heads, rattled in a breeze blowing somewhere above us, and

gave him away.

By one bugle call to another

Yes, he was there. We were all there.

the way: TAPS. They were separate, but in harmony. That

C tl E C K P O 1 N T S

,

SPRING

2 0 01

S

P

E

C

T

1

V

E

ince the graduating class of 1959 entered, the

S

United States Air Force Academy has been committed to

producing the finest officers in the world.

These graduating

officers have chosen to maintain the highest standards of

integrity in both their personal and professional lives as well as being held accountable to the highest expectations of moral and ethical military service.

Nothing less can be required from the leaders of the most

powerful military force any society has ever produced.

In order to

generate this type of officer, the Air Force Academy relies on methods of character development unique from most of the society it serves. More

specifically, the foundation of all officer training is derived from one

straightforward concept—the Cadet Wing Honor Code.

Simplistic in nature, the Honor Code is a string of 14 words: ‘We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.”

However, these simple words have had an enormous impact on the 40,000 men and women who have joined the fraternity of Air Force

Academy graduates and gone on, when called upon, to serve humbly.

The Honor Code quickly becomes more than just a concept to live under while a member of the Cadet Wing; it becomes a way of life. It is not a

high standard of conduct, but the minimum expectation for acceptance as a cadet and the baseline behavior vital to a cadet

officership.

Over the four years

spends at the Academy, the cadet is encouraged to internalize the

spirit of the code which is “Do the Right Thing and Live Honorably.”

Once an individual internalizes the code, they are driven from the inside

by a desire to do what is right, regardless of situation, time, or place.

The Air Force Academy is different from many of its civilian

counterparts. As an institution of higher learning, the academy must ensure

the academic success of its students. But more importantly to the

Air Force and the citizens of the United States, the Air Force Academy must “inspire and develop outstanding young men and women to become

Air Force officers with knowledge, character, and discipline; motivated to lead the world’s greatest aerospace force in service to the nation.”

Mere knowledge in the realm of academia will not suffice at the acad-

emy—developing the world’s best leaders is the ultimate goal. The recipe for the successful completion of the academy’s mission is simple: honorable behavior leads to character, character produces trust, and trust is a main determinant of leadership ability.

During the last 40 years, the United States, its citizens, and thus the young men and women it sends to attend its service academies have

changed dramatically. Yet, over that same time period the Cadet Wing Honor Code has remained unwavering. The reasons for this are simple—

times may change, people may change, thoughts may change—regardless

of the diverse backgrounds of the Cadet Wing, in which all 50 states are

represented, there is a universal right and wrong that can be taught, learned, and certain behaviors that should be expected. The Honor Code outlines these rights and wrongs and promotes the many positive prin-

ciples that are the result of these ethical behaviors.

SPRING

2001

As a group of

PERSPECT

I

V

E

approximately 4,000 young Americans, the Cadet Wing prominently displays traits like honesty, fairness, respect and support in every aspect of their lives—both professionally in uniform and personally wherever their lives may take them.

The administrative system that ensures the fair execution of the Honor Code, however, has changed throughout the last 40 years.

Every

NTEGRITY

Cadet at the Air Force Academy maintains the integrity of the system by

being responsible for the improvement and operation of the system.

Every year the Cadet Honor Executive Committee, composed of group

ERVICE

and wing level honor officers and members of the Academy staff, review the Honor System and recommend changes to ensure due process. In

fact, other sources of positive change include the secretary of the Air Force, Staff Judge Advocate’s office, and cadets not serving in honor

XCELLENCE

positions. These changes have culminated in a better run and more fair system then ever before. Recent changes to the Cadet Wing Honor

System include: clarifying the “reasonable doubt” clause which is our standard for determining if a cadet broke the Code; protocol on how cadets are treated when they are found not in violation of the Honor

Code; and procedural changes in how investigations into possible Honor

“The United States Air

Code offenses are run.

Although the Cadet Honor System is not a legal system, we do require due process. To ensure every cadet receives the same fair treatment, we make sure that when investigative teams draft allegations that a cadet violated the Honor Code they are reviewed and accepted by the case legal advisor. A case legal advisor is a member of the dean of the faculty law department that assists investigative teams in conducting proper investigations and drafting allegations. This review will lead to

allegations that are representative of the evidence collected during investigation.

Another positive change in the recent past has been the institu-

suspended disenrollment. Clearly a step in the right direction, the

probation period allows a few deserving individuals the chance to regain their status in the Cadet Wing after an infraction of the Honor Code, by

allowing them to leam from their mistake during an extensive rehabilitation process.

frontrunner for taking

high school students and turning them into

the leaders

of tomor-

o

tion of Honor Probation. Probation is a rehabilitative program that serves as

Force Academy is the

Only forthright and truly sincere individuals are given this

opportunity to show their maturity while their disenrollment has been

suspended. For most of the people that regain their status as a Cadet, they have learned invaluable and deeply-rooted lessons of integrity, which can

row

by providing them

with the foundation of character

development

found only through a

stringent, yet fair minimum standard of

only produce better officers in the long run.

As the United States enters the 21 st century and the Air Force

continues to be a dominating force throughout the world, the citizens of

conduct- the Cadet

this country should demand no less than officers who proudly model the core values

of “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in

Wing Honor Code.”

All We Do.” The United States Air Force Academy is the frontrunner for taking high school students and turning them into the leaders of tomorrow by providing them with the foundation of character development found only through a stringent, yet fair minimum standard of

conduct—the Cadet Wing Honor Code. ■

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2001

BOOK

Football and all its

REVIEW

frivolity

aside, A Return to Glory contains gems. As Howard Carter said upon peering into Tutankhamon’s

things,

Tomb, “I see things!”

wonderful

a return to

glorv

Review of A Return

By Phillip S. Meilinger,

E

Glory. The untold story of honor, dishonor, and triumph at the United States Military Academy 1950-53.

‘70 to

verybody loves a juicy-good scandal. So A Return to Glory follows, beginning in 1949, a step-by-step and highly readable unfolding of West Points own “Laffaire,” beginning with the rumors, whispers, sting operations, and the final implosion of that infamous and historical

cheating ring -the cheating ring that had infiltrated the cadet Honor Committee itself The scandal arrived at a rotten time, during the middle of the Korean War when the Army needed outstanding officer recruits. And football was believed to be a major USMA recruiting force.

This book falls squarely on the side of the USMA honor system. However, William Daniel

McWilliams (USMA ’55 and USAFA AOC from 1967 to 1970) who personally witnessed many of the events, offers no

apologies for either the honorable or the dishonorable behavior of both cadets and officers

during the honor scandal of 1951. The book also reports in detail the delight of senators, congressmen, and the popular press (including the ubiquitous muckraker Drew Pearson remember him?) in “piling on” even -

after Maj. Gen. Frederick A. Irving, USMA superintendent, quickly decided to reveal to the world the whole extent of the

cheating ring. The book explains how the Army leaders arrived at their decisions.

Cheating scandals aren’t unique to West Point.

West Point just got there first. Because this cheating scandal was the first ever reported at a service

academy, USMA began a precedent by setting up a visiting board of outside legal scholars (the Hand Board, after

Judge Learned Hand) to review the decisions of USMA officers in dealing with the cheating ring. The Army then set up its own Bartlett Board to find the scandal’s causes,

consequences, and cures. Thus the academies, by

following the board’s recommendations, would ensure that this sort of unfortunate event would never again rear

—

its ugly head. The “board” method, of course, didn’t prevent future scandals, but

it did set into motion a service-wide vehicle for dealing with future honor problems.

CHECKPOINTS, 30

—

SPRING

2001

like it or not

The USMA Superintendent Meant Business Even though in 1951 USMA had no formal machinery

for dealing with a scandal of such magnitude, Superintendent

Irving quickly

set

up boards of officers, administrators, law-

yers, and remaining “untouchable” cadets. His machinery op-

erated with amazingly competent and smooth speed, a process sometimes known as “military efficiency.”

The entire 1951

honor scandal was considered resolved within six months.

By comparison, the odors of our 1972 Watergate scandal still linger.

The 1951 honor incident was (and remains) quite small

compared to the internal scandals suffered daily by many of civilian universities, unions, and law enforcement agencies. The major difference with West Points approach to the our

cheating scandal was their officers’ internal decision to take immediate and positive actions by themselves to root out the No Watergate, Koreagate, Irangate, perpetrators.

Whitewatergate or even Gatoradegate-style coverups here.

Todays fashionable Independent Counsel is conspicuous by its absence.

The Relationship Between MacArthur and Blaik

scandal on Army football. At the point football began to dominate McWilliams’ otherwise

gan

to

enjoyable narrative, I seriously be-

question the direction ofA Return to Glory. Weight-wise

rivaling any Norman Mailer novel, this book contains endless biographical sketches, photographs, transcripts of speeches, and replay-by-replay-by-replay-by... well, you get the idea. Past Army football games are choreographed as carefully as ever our presentday Gettysburg Civil War reenactors might have envied. Even our hardcore you-hadda-been-there Army football lovers may to wish that the football anecdotes had been begin published in a Illustrated volume. separate Sports This Book Contains Gems

Football and all its frivolity aside, A Return to Glory contains gems.

As Howard Carter said upon peering into

Tutankhamon’s Tomb, “I see things, wonderful things!”

Nothing ever changes. From my falcon’s-eye view of history, I tabulated in A Return to Glory how many of the original problems, questions, and debates rose from the original 1951 scandal and yet have never seen closure. (1) Parents of departed cadets then as now blame their cadets’ ex-

The 1951 scandal not only decimated (and

pulsions on the “rat-fink” (i.e. non-toleration)

I use the word accurately) the Class of 1952, but it

clause of the honor code. (2) The critics from

also gutted the proud Army football team. There-

the 1950s blamed the scandal on society’s

after, any suspected honor violation at any service

“declining moral values.” (3) Some critics

academy has always raised the initial question, “Is

blamed the scandal on the competitiveness

he/she a varsity athlete?”

of the service academy systems

cheat to survive.

McWilliams credits none other than Gen.

USMA honor scandal is to list and graduate

varsity athletics to national status. But MacArthur

both cadets and midshipmen alphabetically

also responsible for formalizing the West Point

honor code.

one must

(To this day, a curious

Borman Commission “cure” for the 1976

Douglas MacArthur himself for elevating Army was

—

rather than by order of merit.) (4) Still other

It appeared that the honor system

historian-critics blame the honor scandal on

and varsity athletics had worked against each other,

a

and Bartlett Board arrogantly said so. A Return to

hardwired power struggle between the de-

partments of athletics and academics. (5) Yet other critics claimed the honor system

Glory also details the raw and mutual admiration that MacArthur and USMA athletic director Col.

unfairly used to enforce regulations. (6) Finally, some critics have blamed the scandal on the punitive (no-way-out) nature of

was

Earl “Red” Blaik held for each other. Blaik

-

al-

ways the true soldier fought hard to keep his cadet athletes at West Point but eventually resigned —

the honor systems. Familiar criticisms, yet

himself to the reality and necessity for honor. Then he went about rebuilding his football teams from ground zero.

One could consider A Return to Glory a tribute to Blaik. But

it’s much more.

What Do War and Football Have to Do with Honor?

The Corps of Cadets had inherited a smelly and emBlaik made it his personal quest to prove that USMA could have both intercollegiate football and honor.

barrassing legacy.

And he succeeded.

A Return to Glory climaxes with Army’s

dumbfounding 14-13 football victory over Duke in 1953. And in 1958 Blaik again directed Army to that mythical national football championship.

And herein lies the rub. ball remains

—

to me

—

Although intercollegiate foota mystery as to its national popularity,

well over half of McWilliams’ book is devoted to the impact of

CHECKPOINTS,

despite 50 years the USMA honor code

wording remains intact.

And so the honor systems at all our service academies have been forever altered by that 1951 West Point scandal. All

the major players from those days have moved on, many to wartime glory and others to deserved nothingness, but after 50 years these six identical questions have stubbornly remained.

The root causes

if there be any for dishonesty at the academies are still unvalidated. A Return to Glory presents us with a -

—

marvelous challenge that perhaps we had better start some serious

scientific searches for these answers. ■

A Return to Glory ($41.50) may be ordered through the USMA

Gift Shop (800)-426-4725 or from Warwick House Publishers, 720 Court Street,

Lynchburg, VA 24504; (800) 846-1200;

email whp720@aol.com.

SPRING

2001 31

UP

▼

T

CLOSE

eekends and Spring Break are all the incentive most college students need to go completely

insane. However, some cadets will need to keep their wits about them as they help build a shelter for victims of domestic violence in New Mexico; work at the Boys and Girls Club in Denver; help the homeless in

Colorado Springs; and assist disabled kids participating in camp activities in Montana.

‘We do as much as we possibly can,” said Cadet 1st Class William Sosa. summer

“We’re planning on doing

food drives.”

Sosa is a member of the Catholic Parish Council here, which recently collected approximately 1,000

toys and delivered them to the Denver Children’s Hospital Feb. 5.

“The kids we met were awesome,” said Cadet 2nd Class Christian Paasch, one of five cadet volunteers who delivered the toys.

happening to them.

“They were all unbelievably motivated and unbelievably happy despite what was

It really put things in perspective.”

Other members of the council delivered coats,

gloves and hats to the homeless in Acacia Park, according to Sosa.

The same weekend, 19 cadets went to the superintendent’s kitchen and baked more than 1,000 cookies

for the Marion House Soup Kitchen in Colorado Springs.

“This particular group of people have an innate need to give back to help out their community,” said

Capt. Kim Braun, Falcon Squadron Arnold Air Society adviser. blow me away.

They are so active, so dedicated.

“No one is telling them to do this.

They

It’s

really amazing especially with how busy these cadets are.”

For spring break the Academy Center for Character Development organized three “trips” to give cadets a chance to

contribute to their communities.

“In a society where much of the focus is on what we

will get in life, this is the opportunity to focus on

what we can give,” said Cadet 1 st Class Will Phillips,

who is volunteering in Denver. “This project gave us,

VOLUNTEER “

IN A SOCIETY WHERE MUCH OF THE

IN

LIFE, THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO FOCUS ON WHAT WE CAN GIVE...”

BY

JENNIFER.

BRUGMAN/ACADEMY SPIRIT STAFF

CHECKPOINTS, 32

FOCUS IS ON WHAT WE WILL GET

SPRING

2001

UP

CLOSE

■ volunteerism cont.

as

cadets, the opportunity to experience the intrinsic ben-

various branches of Denver’s youth activity centers.

efits of putting the needs of others before our own.”

These activities are not due to a sudden rash of cadet volunteerism.

of approximately 10-15 cadets volunteering to help staff the

They

led field trips and organized daily game tournaments.

“I guess it’s because we’re blessed with so much here,”

The Catholic Parish Council began organiz-

ing the toy drive before Christmas. They were assisted in

Sosa said.

their efforts by cadets without religious affiliations, Colo-

how much you have. It’s not all that hard, either. When you

rado Springs civilians, and the Protestant volunteer organi-

have people who are out to help, a lot can get done.”*

“Getting out in the community, you really see

zation.

“It was pretty cool,” Paasch said of the delivery. “I didn’t

■

know what to expect, but the kids we saw were all doing

For Character Development

really well—emotionally.”

‘We prayed a lot about how we could use our resources,”

Sosa said of their work with the homeless.

“We would like

C1C Adams Wins Prestigious Award

C1C Catherine Adams was presented the Malham Wakin

Character Development Award at this year’s AOG-spon-

to get enough people together to head up to Denver to help

sored National Character and Leadership Symposium.

the homeless there. We’re hoping as the years go on it’ll just

The award honors BGen (Ret) Mai Wakin’s 40 years of

grow and grow.”

impacting every cadet’s character development as Head

The Arnold Air Society, which sponsored the cookie bak-

of the Department of Philosophy. Cadet Adams earned

ing, has more than 150 members who have clocked 1,700

this award for initiating several projects that were de-

hours of volunteer time in 22 service projects.

signed to increase not only cadet character development

“One of the cadets had this idea that around Valentine’s

Day we could give them a sweet surprise,” Braun said.

“We

had cadets who had never baked before but by the end they were

but also under-privileged children’s character development and self-confidence. She created 72 new positions

for cadets through the Cadet Service Learning Program that is designed to support community service projects.

all whizzes.”

She organized the Cadet for a Day Program (See “Hon“

THIS

PROJECT GAVE US, AS CA-

DETS, THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE INTRINSIC BENEFITS OE PUTTING THE NEEDS OE OTIC ERS

BEFORE OUR OWN..”

oring the Human Spirit” on page 37.) and set up a fundraiser that raised over $3600 from the Cadet Wing to

support the program.

C1C Adams also started the

Operation Hope Program that brought underprivileged children to the Air Force-CSU football game and matched them with cadets for the day.

She served as the Third

Group Public Affairs Representative and was handpicked to

be the spring semester commander for the Soaring

“This was also when Denver schools had their spring

Squadron. While competing in the National Cross Coun-

break, so the number of youth who participated was much larger

try Soaring Championships, she set three state records.

than normal,” Phillips said. “This opportunity allowed cadets to practice the Air Force core value of service before self and

build some mentoring type relationships with some of Denver’s

youth.”

The Arnold Air Society is a ROTC organization dedicated to building relationships between the community and the Air

Force.

They help out the veterans’ hospitals, YMCA and the

Red Cross shelter downtown. They will help repaint the Youth Outreach Center later this year.

The Alternative Spring Break program in Denver consisted

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2001

33

UP

100th

CLOSE

Night "Only the Strong Survive"

BY

JENNIFER

ACADEMY

W

BRUGMAN

SPIRIT

STAFF

ith 100 days until graduation, the

firsties disappear for a night to let the four degrees run amok and show their

“appreciation” for the elder classmen.

C1C Matt Ziemann, a member of the falcon team, came home to bird feathers

covering his side of the room.

The floor was also covered with paper cups filled with water. Water wasn’t the only decorative tool used Feb. 23.

“Streamers, balloons, and daisy chains attached to the ceilings,” said Firstclassmen Melanie Ecung and

“There’s a lot of pride there, and I won’t ever forget my 100th Night

Jamie Flood of their room. “The four degrees rigged the room with twine so that no one could enter.

experience.”

They also

strung pretzels (their favorite snack) along the twine.”

Training. Barbwire decorated the walls, and above the

Each room was given a unique and personal touch.

closets, the sign ‘ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE’ had

“I was told that the firstie I was assigned to was a

been posted up.

Complete with all the little details, the

computer hacker,” said C4C Monique Foster-Loggins.

room was decorated over with

“So I made a dummy, squirted it with ketchup for the

plastic Mitchell Hall utensils, cadet issue sleeping bags,

blood, and made it look like the firstie’s computer monitor

and a Jack’s Valley issued locker case with all of my

killed it. Then I put up a few signs saying, ‘Computer

necessary uniform items in it. Across my valet mirrors was

Hacker killed by his own computer!”’

written, ‘BECAUSE I SAID SO,’ in mock of the briefings

The destruction was all in good fun as firsties were

I had given the Class of 2003. It was really incredible the

time and effort that went into setting the room up.”

expecting it.

White had a special reason for enjoying his new

“When I came back to my room, my initial perception over what had been set up in the hallway didn’t make me

feel good about what surprise waited in my room,”

said C1C Alexander White.

Deep Rock water bottles,

“They had taken the Assault

room

decor.

“I really appreciated the effort. It was awesome and

emotional for me. When I had been selected to be the 2nd

Course sign and sandbagged it outside of my room. In

BCT Group Commander, my heart was set on working the

addition to that, there were about 20 or so sandbags piled

Valley. There’s nothing I wanted more. When my father

up in front of my door, complete with sand all over the

passed away during my command, I resigned. I missed not

hallway.

I had to move them one by one just to get into

being able to work and enjoy 2nd BCT. The four degrees

the room. I was a little hesitant, but when I opened the

from my squadron and team really brought it back and

door, I was very surprised. Sheets had been set on the

made it happen for me. One of them even told me the next

floor, underneath the extra sandbags put inside the room.

day, ‘Since you couldn’t be there for 2nd BCT, we brought

Postings of rope had been draped on the wall and hitched

Jack’s Valley to you.’ There’s a lot of pride there, and I

to the floor, just like the tents during 2nd Basic Cadet

won’t ever forget my 100th Night experience.” ■

CHECKPOINTS, 34

SPRING

2001

UP

CLOSE

BONG CLASS HONORS CLASS EXEMPLARS CLASS OF 2003 NOTES

By Cadet 3rd Class Kenyatta Ruttin

fhe Cadet Exemplar Program is an avenue for each Academy class to honor and

% Mr

np

identify with a past military icon. As such, the heroes who are chosen epitomize the personal characteristics that each class of cadets

1 :

seeks to emulate. The selected class exemplar not only becomes the cadets’ hon-

orary class leader, but the very namesake and identity of that particular class. Throughout the

cadets’ career, the exemplar becomes the focal point of inspiration as they prepare for their

roles as Air Force officers and future leaders.

Lt. Gen. Tad Oelstrom, former Academy Superintendent, officially announced that

the Class of 2003’s exemplar would be Maj. Richard “Dick” Ira Bong after the class was as they recognized as full members of the cadet wing March 18, 2000. The Bong Class known honored their class exemplar at a cadet exemplar dinner in Mitchell Hall. The class invited Marge Bong Drucker, Bong’s widow, and Dr. Willis Hawkins, former assistant secretary of the Army and design engineer of the P-38, P-80, F-117 and numerous other aircraft, as their special guests. Also in attendance at the dinner were other members of the Bong family, Lt. Gen. John Dallagher (Academy Superintendent) Brig. Gen. Mark Welsh (Commandant of Cadets) and Lt. Col. Bob Swain, Class of 1979, who is the first A-10 pilot to achieve an air-to-air kill.

Bong is America’s leading ace of all time with 40 confirmed kills in the Pacific during World War II and he is a Medal of Honor recipient.

Bong was killed while test-flying the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star on Aug. 6, 1945 due to an engine failure immediately after take-off.

“Maj. Bong represents more than just the ideals that we would like to embody, he represents the very values of the United States armed services and of this great nation,” said Cadet 3rd Class Giles Whiting, class president, during his opening remarks.

After dinner, Hawkins shared a personal story about Bong. Hawkins described Bong as a wispy haired ace with a kind word. He reflected on those final moments of Bong’s life with the cadets, challenging them to live the same life of dedication, loyalty and servitude to the country as Bong did. Bong’s widow and his sister, Joyce Erickson, unveiled a display case as an ensemble of third classmen sung “High Flight” in the background.

“This is one of the greatest honors Dick has ever received,” Erickson said. The display is now located in the Hall of Exemplars in Fairchild Hall with other exemplar display cases. The evening concluded with the singing of the third verse of the Air Force Song.

Marge Bong Drucker gave a slide show presentation to a class during M5, a one-hour period during M-days dedicated to military training or professional development. Her presentation outlined her late husband s short, but distinguished, career. “Her presentation gave us a better appreciation of who Maj. Bong was as a person,” said Cadet 3rd Class Scott Mears.

Following the presentation, Swain shared some of the challenges he faced in the Gulf War with the class, but more importandy, he showed how the characteristics of Bong can lead cadets through challenges they are going to face in their careers as the nation’s next generation of aerospace leaders.

The goal of the Bong Class is to uphold those characteristics highlighted by Bong’s life of courage, selflessness, confidence and commitment.

These core character traits will be linked to the Bong Class while at the Academy and more importantly, throughout the rest of their lives. The Bong Class’ core values enhance and amplify the Air Force’s Core Values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in all we do.

—

are now

—

| OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Mountain West Conference Offensive

Player of the Year quarterback Mike Thiessen graduated this year, leaving a hole in the Falcon lineup.

Head coach

Fisher DeBerry will be forced to make a

tough decision before the season opener

against defending national champion Oklahoma as three quarterbacks looked

good in spring practice—Senior Keith Boyea, Junior Bryan Blew, and Sophomore

Chance Harridge.

COURTESY PHOTO

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2 0 0 1

35

ut of this USAFA GRADUATES AIMING HIGHER THAN THE SKY by

C

Jessica

Eberhart

ol. Susan Helms, ’80, and Lt. Col. James Kelly, ’86,

played integral roles in the most recent space mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Speaking of

roles, one of the first voices heard at the 25 March 2001 Academy Awards Ceremony came from “out of this world.” Col. Helms introduced host Steve Martin via satellite from the ISS just 15

days into the four-month mission of Expedition Two. Lt. Col. Kelly is the pilot who delivered Helms and the rest of the Expedition Two crew to the ISS. This was his first

space flight.

Kelly has logged more than 1,500 flight hours in

more than 35

different aircraft. He has served as an F-15 Eagle

training instructor and a test pilot and, in April 1996, was selected for astronaut training.

Helms has been a NASA astronaut since 1991 and this is her fifth space flight.

She, along with astronaut James Voss and

cosmonaut Yury Usachev, replaced a three-man crew that

occupied the ISS from 31 October until 17 March. This was the first crew exchange for the station.

The Discovery lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on 8 March and docked with the ISS 10 March.

Expedition Two spent seven

days aboard Discovery; the crew exchange was complete on 14 March.

Helms, Voss and Usachev are scheduled to return home aboard the

Space Shuttle Endeavour in July, following the second crew exchange.

On March 11, before the crew exchange, Helms and Voss

worked for eight hours and 56 minutes to reconfigure the outside of the ISS. This was NASA’s longest ever space-walk.

Each day the crew awakes to a song that holds special meaning to a member. On March 13, Tom Petty’s ‘Tree Fallin’” played at

Helms’ request.

Kelly’s family chose an Irish tune, “The Rising of the

Moon” to play on March 16 in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

The ISS orbits the Earth at an altitude of 238 statute

miles, or 384 km, and is already larger than any space station in

history. During the mission, Expedition Two will conduct 18 different experiments on the following: the human body in space, space radiation, observations of the Earth, crystal growth

in weightlessness and plant growth in space. ■

P

R

I

N

G

2

0

0

1

HONORING the

HUMAN

SPIRIT “For Jimmy, it was one of the highlights on

March 8 when he was a Cadet for a Day, a new

program to give sick children the

chance to get a close look at the Academy.”

Text

by

John

The Colorado

D

Diedrich

Springs Gazette

ressed in a custom-made Air Force flight suit,

Jimmy Bui peered up from his wheelchair, and his eyes grew laiger as Academy cadet Eddie

When children are pilots for a day, they get custom flight suits.

Many of the children who later died asked to be buried in

the flight suits, Nisson said. “That gets you,” he said.

Knox floated down under a parachute, landing just 20 feet away.

Cadet Cathy Adams (see page 33) organized Jimmy’s visit

Knox pulled off his helmet and gloves, walked over

and fund-raising needed to pay for the flight suit and other items

to Jimmy and stooped to greet the

17-year-old Colorado

he received.

Springs boy who has been diagnosed with hypertrophic

Adams said seeing Jimmy’s joy helped her realize cadets

cardiomyopathy, a heart condition doctors expect will

often get wrapped up in their own lives at the Academy. “This

claim his life within six months.

“Is that fun?” Jimmy asked.

gives you a sense of what is important,” she said.

Jimmy’s day began with a tour of the airfield,

“Oh yeah,” Knox said. “It’s fun every time.”

where his name was painted on a glider and cadets

For Jimmy, it was one of the highlights

performed aerobatics high above. Along the way, Jimmy’s hosts showered him with hats, flight scarfs,

on March

8 when he was a Cadet for a Day, a

new program to

give sick children the chance

to get a close look at the Academy.

coins and other military gear.

Watching Knox and

other cadets parachute was a highlight, Jimmy said.

The Academy organized the program in

‘I just want that to be me,” he said

coordination with the Make A Wish Foundation,

Jimmy then went up to the cadet area where he met

which grants wishes to terminally ill children.

Squadron Four, which gave the most for his visit and spon-

Jimmy took a trip to Hawaii as part of his wish,

sored him. The squadron pushed Jimmy’s wheelchair into

but he has always loved airplanes so he was cho-

Mitchell Hall for lunch as all 4,000 cadets marched in.

sen to

be a cadet for a day.

Jimmy’s brother, Michael, 19, who has the same disease, came along.

Lt. Col. Bob Nissen, commander of the 557 th Flying Training Squadron, pitched the program based on the “pilot for a day” for sick children at other bases. He hopes the Academy can do the same for seven or eight kids every year.

‘You want to give a kid a day to forget how sick they are,” he said.

CHECKPOINTS,

From the staff tower, the balcony that overlooks

the massive dining area, Adams introduced Jimmy, who had been nicknamed Blue Skies, to the Cadet Wing. The cadets stood and

clapped for a minute, far longer than they applauded for Dallas

Cowboy and former cadet Chad Hennings, who also was present.

As they clapped, Jimmy waved and saluted the cadets.

Then Adams lifted Jimmy to the microphone and he said: “Wing, take seats!” ■ SPRING

2001

37

Personal

A and

a

lesson learned

By CICs

Jennifer Reed and Katie Vreuls How many of us have said we would never do it

A.J came out to visit in August of this past year.

I remember talking to him and complaining about how

all over again?

down I get here.

"ow many of us can’t wait to get out ofthis place?

H

want to be a three-degree because it wouldn’t be too late to

He looked at me and said, “I’d give anything to be graduating with you guys.” I didn’t think about it too much at the time, but have thought about it everyday since his death. And amazingly, it’s made my time here much more enjoyable. I would go through all of

leave. It’s amazing to me how much cynicism exists here,

this a million times over if he could be here with us, as I’m

I know I’m guilty of both of

.these statements a hundred times over.

In the

last issue of the Warrior Update in the Terrazzo Talk column, someone remarked that if he could be any other

cadet, he’d

people that knew him would. It just seems trivial

yet no one ever talks about the good things, much less tries

sure most

to change things for the better.

to me to complain about this briefing or that parade or

For all who knew Austin Jay-Buck Cohen, bet-

cleaning for a SAMI when we take a step back and look at

ter known as A.J., this article is to remind you. And for

what we have to be thankfiil for. Even the sourest cadet

everyone out there that didn’t know him, I hope you can take a little out of it and realize how grateful we should

enjoys privileges and freedoms that even many civilians don’t; we go to school and have made life-time friends without the burden of student loans or after-school jobs.

We never worry about the quality of our education, what sort ofjob will await us when we finally graduate, if we’ll

be and how many little things there are just to smile about.

A.J. started with us in June of 1997 as a Rat in

CS-33.

He was the kid that made BCT somewhat bear-

able. It’s hard to forget that goofy grin that had everyone wondering what was so great about life that he couldn’t stop smiling. I loved being around him but I never quite pinpointed why until after he passed away this last Decern-

have money for food or rent, or ifwe’ll ever see our friends.

We also know the contribution we’ll make in our lives

will be worthwhile. Few can say they dedicated even part of their lives for someone or something else.

With only a few days until the Class of2001 gradu-

ber. A few of his close friends sat down after we heard the news and couldn’t recall a

single time when A.J. was in a

bad mood or not trying his hardest to get everyone else out

ates, I think it’s important to realize where we’ve come from, what attitudes we take into the real Air Force, and how much

of theirs. He had his bad days like everyone else, but even

we have to be thankful

then he was always making a joke and loving life.

how fortunate we really are. Not everyone has the things

It’s interesting to imagine what the Academy

we

for. It’s also important to realize

have, and cynicism brings disrespect to ourselves and

would be like if we all woke up every morning thankful

those who wish they were in our places. A.J. was asked to

to be here

if we just took the time to make the best of

write something in the game program for his final football

the situation we’re in and the opportunities we’re given.

game as a senior at the University of Dayton. The last line

A.J. tried his hardest to stay here but found out he was

reads, “7 hope that at some point I did some-

going to have to leave at the end of his sophomore year.

He was extremely upset. He had tears in his eyes, yet in the same breath, laughed and said, “Looks like we’re having a party!” And for everyone who went to that party

thing to make everyone smile and have a good day. I feel like we can all learn something from these

-

”

words, which should give everyone who didn’t know A.J. an idea ofwhat he was about.

This article is sincerely dedi-

and saw him for the last time there, what an awesome

cated to our friend A.J. Cohen and his friends who keep

parting memory to have of him.

him alive by wearing a smile even when times get tough. ■

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2 0 0 1

THE

BEHIND

SCENES

“This was the 12th time a formation of cadets has marched

down Pennsylvania Avenue to salute a

newly-inaugurated president.”

Cadets Represent

3 With Distinction Hendrickson, CS 33 Squadron Commander

BY C/Lt Col Eric

n 20

O

ron

January 2001, a formation of 83 cadets rep-

th resented the Air Force Academy in the 54 Presi-

dential Inauguration Parade. The contingent was

composed of 24 cadets from Cadet Squad-

33, the Outstanding Squadron for 1999-2000, as well as

Cheney. But to be honest, the best part was dancing with Miss Florida.”

day of the parade brought typical East Coast

The

weather for this time of year: temperature in the 40s with

a

consistent

light rain. Fortunately, there were

several cadets from each of the other 35 cadet squadrons. This

warming tents available for parade participants for the

the 12th time a formation of cadets has marched down

several hours prior to the beginning of the parade. Un-

Pennsylvania Avenue to salute a newly-inaugurated president.

fortunately, the parade participants were not able to re-

was

The cadets’ participation in the parade did not just simply

main in the tents

during the parade’s two-hour delay

Prior to departing for Washington, the con-

due to protestors in the parade route. However the spirit

tingent spent countless hours practicing their marching and

of the cadets was high because, unlike the nearby per-

rifle manual. Once in D.C., however, the hours of sacrifice

formers from the state of Hawaii, they were not wear-

entail marching.

were rewarded.

During the three days spent in the D.C. area,

ing sandals and grass skirts.

the parade practices and preparation were interspersed with

“In spite of the harsh weather, I was warmed by the

Nearly all of the cadets took

thought of knowing I was one of the first to salute our

countless opportunities for fun.

advantage of the opportunity to tour the Washington and An-

new

napolis areas. However, unlike most tourists, the cadets were

Donte Tanner, Contingent Guidon Bearer.

also given a unique opportunity to tour the Pentagon and Air

The parade itself was an interesting mix of military

One cadet even participated in several inaugural

units and such groups as the Aspen Precision Lawn

Force 2.

Commander and Chief,” said Cadet First Class

celebrations: Cadet First Class Chris Wilson represented the Acad-

Chair Drill Team and

emy by attending both the Republican Party Presidential Inaugu-

the

ration Celebration and the 54

th

Presidential Inaugural Ball.

college marching bands.

military units however, the cadets represented

the Academy with distinction.!

opportunity to meet in person

Editor’s note: In a special morning ceremony the AOG

the new Commander in Chief and Vice President Dick

presented each cadet a commemorative coin highlighting their participation in the Inauguration.

“It was

an

unbelievable

CHECKPOINTS

Of

SPRING

2001 39

BEHIND

THE

today’s more diverse military, communication and understanding between those with different backgrounds can be a challenge. Col. Thomas Berry, Center for Character Development deputy commander, told cadets at the beginning ofthe Respect and Responsibilty workshop held last Fall in the Arnold Hall ballroom that they would see wonderful examples of leadership in their military career and that they would see events that aren’t so wonderful.

The Respect and Responsibilty Workshop, sponsored by the Center for Character Development, is an afternoon-long set of exercises and lectures designed to teach cadets to look at life from another point of view. “We’re going to teach you the same thing your moms and grandmothers taught you,’’ Berry said.

He then listed attributes like sharing, being respectful and polite.

In order to reinforce some of these life lessons, cadets participated in a variety of exercises, including lowering a hula hoop to the ground with the tips of their fingers as a group. It’s harder than it sounds. Master Sgt. Gary Adcox, Center for Character Development superintendent, worked with a group of approximately 10 cadets who took four tries and wandered around before they accomplished the feat. The trick to the hula-hoop is observation, according to Adcox.

“It’s not just me anymore,” said Adcox. “You have to concentrate on what you’re doing and what everyone else is doing.

SCENES

n

I

-

”

Next, cadets were asked to blow up a balloon. Also harder than it

sounds, many cadets found this to be the most difficult part of the

day. They then wrote a thought on the balloon that represents a good team. Words like trust, openness, dedication, common goals, cooperation, friendship, respect, understanding and communication were written on balloons and then the balloons were put into a bag representing

“Take the water out of the balloons and blow them up again,” said Cadet 2nd Class Richard Hollinger. “In other words, try to find the best qualities in the worst person,” said Adcox.

The entire afternoon consisted of exercises like these, which are

designed to give cadets a new perspective on leadership and those around them. “The workshop opened my eyes to some of the things we all do without being aware of it, whether it be our competitiveness impeding teamwork, various prejudices or assumptions we tend to make without thinking,” said Cadet 2nd Class Kristin Wenner. “I thought it was very productive.” We didn’t listen to lectures all day but still got involved enough to take something good away from the workshop.”

The big exercise of the afternoon consisted of the formation of two

cadet cultures that had to learn to understand one another.

At the end of the exercise cadets were asked to describe the other

the team.

culture. Words like materialistic, chaotic, aggressive, simple, primi-

The cadets were asked to keep the bag aloft as long as possible by

tive, violating, confusing, competitive, hierarchical and commu-

hitting it but they couldn’t hit the bag again untill someone else

nist were used. Wenner feels the exercises have caused her to be

touched it. The bag stayed in the air for 54 hits. Adcox then put two

more aware

balloons in the bag to represent things like a negative attitiude, disrespect, cynicism, and discrimination. With the water balloons, the cadets kept the bag in the air for seven hits. “Life happens,” Adcox said.

“It comes down to a matter of character,” Adcox said. “I guess I want them to have a better

“You as a leader are going to have to deal with that.”

doing as officers in the Air Force. I want them to be better leaders

water

He then asked cadets how to make the bag

or team

work again.

CHECKPOINTS,

of what she and others say and do in all situations.

understanding of how human rela-

tions play into the leadership part of what they’re going to be

than I had and I was.”«

SPRING

2 0 0 1

BEHIND

T

H

E

SCENES

he 34 th Operations Group is coming upon

T

its peak season, plunging into this summer’s

jump and soaring programs full force. The competition successes that both the 94 FTS

and 98 FTS have earned this last year will continue to set the standard for our top-notch programs in the future. The summer of 2001 will be an exciting one, as it will see hundreds of cadets receive their jump and soaring wings. We are also proud to an-

the upcoming fleet replacement for the 94 FTS, which

nounce

will undoubtedly facilitate our mission of providing the nation with its future leaders.

The 94 Flying Training Squadron, home of the Cadet Soar-for-All program, and the USAFA Flying team heads into summer

2001 with an eye on flying over half the cadet wing.

Our goal is to solo everyone who shows up to fly! We’ve had a

busy year already and will soon begin our summer push. The replacement process for all 94 FTS aircraft will begin with the sailplane fleet in October. Shortly following, we expect to begin the motorglider replacement (November 01).

Airmanship 251 is the US Air Force Academy’s primary flying program for cadets.

Since July 2000 we have flown 750

USAFA cadets and over 150 ROTC cadets without a single in-

effective—developing leadership, confidence, and self-esteem through solo flight, advanced programs, and competition flying.

jury. Airmanship 461, our cadet instructor training program is a 95-flight checkout program to become a sailplane IP. Cadets do 95 percent of the instructing on the airfield. This year 81 cadets

became soaring instructors.

We also have two advanced pro-

grams: AM 474 (Cross Country) and AM 475 (Acrobatics). The

Cross Country team competes nationally and spends several weeks on the road each year.

For the year of 2000, we were named the

Collegiate Soaring Association Champions. of Top Collegiate Team in two

We earned the title

regional competitions and the

World Gliding Championships.

3 4 T H

OPERATIONS

Every summer approximately 600 cadets get the chance to jump from a “perfectly good airplane” in Airmanship 490, USAFA’s Basic

Parachuting Course.

This is the only parachuting course in the world

where a student’s first jump is an unassisted 10-second free fall. Graduates of AM-490 earn basic parachute wings and the chance to compete

for entry into AM491/2, a one-year-long, highly intensive parachute instructor course whose graduates become members of the Wings of Blue

parachute team.. Surveys of USAFA graduates indicate AM-490 is one of the two best programs at USAFA in terms of preparing them for a career in the Air Force.

GROUP

The 98 FTS recently capped off one of the most successful

competition seasons in the team’s history. The crown jewel this season was the cadets

winning the National Collegiate Parachuting Champion-

th ships for the 25 time out of 33 years—an achievement no other school

has accomplished in any sport. C1C Marion Knapp won the top award

“National Collegiate Champion” and was the first female to accomplish

this.

We also support the cadet Flying Team. This year proved to be very successful

for our nationally competitive team.

We

She followed a distinguished list of 219 former AFA Collegiate

Parachuting National Champions. Other 98 FTS cadets and staff won numerous

awards and medals throughout the competition season to in-

swept all categories at the Birchall Cup Airskills Competition in

elude being members of teams representing the United States at the World

2000. We placed first at Region 1 SAFECON, earning both Top

Championships and CISM (World Military Championships). While the

Pilot and Top Female Pilot. We earned second place at Region 2

competition team was out winning medals, the demonstration team was

SAFECON, bringing home the Safety Award as well as Top IFR

out spreading the good word about the Air Force and the Air Force Acad-

Pilot. These winnings were in addition to upgrading four cadets

emy by performing before millions of spectators both live and on televi-

to Mission Pilot/NIFA Competitor in the C-150 (a primary com-

sion.

petition aircraft), and instituting an IFR training program using

high-profile events as the Fiesta Bowl, LPGA Golf tournaments, NFL

newly-acquired PC-based training devices (simulators).

Football and Major League Baseball games. No other group at the Air

With all of these accomplishments under our belt, we are

continuing to strive for excellence in 2001. With the upcom-

ing sailplane and motorglider fleet replacements, our mission to motivate cadets in flying training programs will be even more

The team performs at air shows throughout the country at such

Force Academy is required to perform on the hill, academically and mili-

tarily, teach a life-or-death activity, and win national recognition.

After a successful 2000, the 34 th Operations Group is looking

forward to an even more successful 2001. ■

BEHIND

THE

SCENES

“

Starting in fiscal year 2001, the Air Force commissioning sources will have 50 to 75 fewer pilot slots per year. The Air Force Academy will lose its fair share.” brjg. gen. welsh •

-■

PILOT SLOTS REDUCED

P

ilot training slots for Academy cadets will

pilot-qualified cadets selecting a non-pilot job. Historically, around seven percent of pilot qualified cadets select a military profession other than piloting. But even

shrink by a handful during the next five years, due to the needs of the Air Force.

“Starting in fiscal year 2001, the Air

with reductions and other selections factored in, the

Force commissioning sources will have 50 to 75

Academy still expects to have more cadets wanting pi-

fewer pilot slots per year. The Academy will lose its fair share of

lot training than it has slots.

those,” said Brig. Gen. Mark Welsh, commandant of cadets.

Gradual reductions in pilot slots for cadets will continue for the next five fiscal years, but the change for the Academy is only a

handful of slots, and never dips below 524. In total, 350 slots will

be reallocated from Air Force commissioning sources to the pilot candidate pool over the next five fiscal years. That reduction is aimed at reducing the pool of pilots awaiting training to a more

manageable level.

The Air Force has been producing around 1,283 pilot candidates per year, yet has between 500 and 1,000 commissioned officers currendy waiting six to 14 months to enter pilot training at any given time. The Air Forces goal is to reduce a pilot candidates

waiting time to less than six months.

“The Academy is still by far, the best opportunity for a young person to enter Air Force pilot training,” Welch said during a recent

briefing to the Class of 2001.

“In the very worst case

scenario, 85 percent of our pilot-qualified cadets will get to go to

pilot training. nity to go.”

In the best case, 100 percent will get the opportu-

Other commissioning sources such as the Reserve Offleer Training Corps sent approximately 25 percent of its year 2000 crop to pilot training, while officer training school sent only 12

percent active duty and reserve commissionees from 2000 to pilot

training. For this May’s graduating class, 561 firstclassmen are pilot qualified, and 550 pilot training slots are available. Academy officials are working the issue and expect to get all 561 into pilot training.

The worst case scenario for the Class of 2002 is that the

Academy has 139 more cadets than it has training slots allocated.

However, that doesn’t take into account historic class attrition, or

CHECKPOINTS, 42

“Cadets will have to compete for available slots, and that’s

simply a matter of supply and demand,” Welsh said, “and we will use the current Air Force Specialty Code selection process.”

“For those cadets whose goal is piloting, they still control their own destiny. There is still time to improve their chances of earning a pilot training slot,” Welsh said. To do so, they need to “perform as well as they can in everything they do here at the Air Force Academy, whether it is academics, athletics, military training or aviation programs.”

Previous pilot training slot reductions at the Academy have been far more severe. The Academy sent more than 500 cadets annually to pilot training during the late 1980s. But as the 1990s hit, the Academy’s numbers dropped to 465 in 1991; 442 in 1992; 262 in 1993; 224 in 1994; 225 in 1995; and bottomed out at 213 in 1996.

The number of cadets sent to pilot training rose in the late 1990s to

366 in 1997; 430 in 1998; 414 in 1999; and 561 last year. Other sources

also felt the impact of reduced pilot training slots during the

1990s. While the Academy suffered through a mere 225 pilot train-

ing slots in 1995, ROTC cadets received zero slots that same year.

However, pilot training isn’t the only combat aircrew job available to cadets. Two of the other options are undergraduate navigator training and air battle manager training. Typically, the Academy has around 40 navigator slots per class.

“I suspect that because we have a hard allocation for

pilot training slots, we will have more cadets going to undergraduate navigator training, which is a good thing for the Air Force, Welsh said. “Navigator training is a great slot to have and people ought to be very happy when they get it. The Air Force needs navigators in a number of airplanes and we’ve got some quality folks to send into that training.” ■ “

SPRING

2 0 0 1

BEHIND

a

THE

SCENES

The Integrity of a

^Warrior’s Honor” NATIONALCHARACTER AND

nets

By Jennifer Brugman Academy Spirit

T

Staff

he meaning of integrity,

The diverse background of the attendees

honor, character, leadership

contributed to the debates.

and the definition of a

The consortium Friday started

“warrior” were discussed here March 7-9

with C1C Erik Holzherr speaking

at the 8th annual National Character and

about two paintings he created for his

Leadership Symposium (NCLS).

art classes here.

The theme of this year’s NCLS was “The Integrity of a Warrior’s Honor.” ers included Chad

Speak-

Hennings ‘80, former Dallas

Cowboys football player; Rob Perkins, Arctic

amusement.

The second student presentation was

One image pictured a young

by U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman

Llewellyn Evans who presented a paper Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He

on Roman

canvas while hands

became interested in Aurelius because of

tug her face, pull

her hair and offer her flowers.

the movie “Gladiator.”

“He was termed the reluctant

“Character is the number one trait I look for in a model,” Holzherr

The student consortiums began in the

“Mostly they represent bunny ears,” Holzherr replied, to the crowd’s

female staring calmly out from the

adventurer; Navy Seal team members and

Army Special Forces instructors.

society’s control over her.

said.

“Individuality, comfort with

emperor because he didn’t want to rule

Rome,” Evans said. Aurelius was

afternoon March 8 with another session

self—admitting to their positive and

remarkable because of his compassion

Friday morning. College students from

negative traits—that’s character.”

for the soldiers who fought for him,

across the

country

came to the

symposium

and participated in the consortium. After

hearing

a

He said in this painting, the

presentation, the students would

break into small groups and discuss their ideas.

woman is

remaining calm in the face

of society’s judgement of her. This is a

sign of her character, Holzherr said.

During the question and

Gen. (Ret) Ron Fogleman speaks to the cadet wing about the importance of character and integrity to the profession of arms.

answer

period, a man asked whether

according to Evans. “He led from his heart. He stayed at the front lines during conflict and took the same pains as his men did.

what his men were going through.”

the victory symbol above the woman’s head symbolizes her victory over

society by not being taken in by

Evans considers Aurelius to be a

warrior despite the fact that he never

engaged in conflict.

their judgements or whether society is forcing this woman to celebrate

He would often get out of bed

and sleep on the floor so he would know

“Living life in a certain way,” Evans said, is one of the traits of a

warrior. Other traits Evans listed included

staying on a spiritual

path; combining tangible goals with truth and spirit. ■ CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2 0 0 1

43

BEHIND

THE

SCENES

others u

The cadets out here are doing J m

an

incredible

service for us and we really appreciate it.”

I think it’s a good way to help out

the community and other people...”

ore

M

than 250 cadets armed with paint

brushes, rollers and tape formed up at the front parking lot of the Colorado Springs Youth Outreach Center on April 27th.

They were tasked with painting the exterior and interior of

By Supunnee Ulibarri Academy Spirit Staff the money to support many other youth programs and events,” he said.

the 125,000 square foot building located near downtown. “The

The Youth Center is a nonprofit organization that raises

really needs a face-lift,” said Terry Hooper, executive

money for programs within the Colorado Springs community.

center

director for the center. “The cadets out here are doing an incredible service for us and we really appreciate it,” he said.

The center also hosts various activities for “at-risk” youth.

“I feel good about being out here. 1

actually like to paint,

The Arnold Air Society at the Academy organized the

too,” said volunteer C4C Aylett Hughes of Cadet Squadron 4. “1

community service project. The society is a nation-wide ser-

think it’s a good way to help out the community and other people,”

vice organization made up of members that actively partici-

he said. Hughes and two of his fellow classmates were painting

pate in community service projects across the country. “Not

the inside of the center. “This is a good way to get out into the

everyone out here is a member of the Arnold Air Society,”

community and hang out with friends while also doing some-

said C3C George Eldridge of Cadet Squadron 6. Eldridge is

thing positive. This is fun and we’re doing something that helps

the deputy commander of the Academy’s Arnold Air Society.

others,” said C4C Sarah L. Shields of Cadet Squadron 31.

“But everyone out here is a volunteer and we’ve got a great turnout today, 1 just hope it doesn’t rain,” he said.

Community service wasn’t just limited to the youth center.

In addition, a number of cadets also took the streets of the Adams

The cadets hoped to paint the entire building in about

neighborhood located in downtown Colorado Springs during

two hours. “I think they’ll be able to do it. They’re hard work-

the annual “Christmas in April” campaign. Volunteers cleaned

ers,” Hooper said. The cadets will save the center approxi-

up, repaired and did various handyman projects on homes of

mately $50,000 by painting the center. “We’ll be able to use

senior citizens who are unable to do the repairs themselves. ■

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

200 1

THE

BEHIND

SCENES

The Lons Roa

to success

j§ DFM, the Department of Management, had been considering pursuing accreditation since the formation of the

department. In 1994-95 the Dean, Brig. Gen. Ruben Cubero, stressed the importance of external review and validation. DF encouraged departments to develop relationships with professional bodies in their area of expertise wherever possible. At the time of this direction, the following majors at USAFA were accredited: Aeronaudeal Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineer-

ing, Engineering Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Computer Science.

Accreditation became more important when civilians were added to USAFA faculty. Accredited schools are expected to attract and retain higher quality civilian faculty. Accreditation was not only important for faculty, but also for the cadet population. Management majors perceived that this major was not as important or well respected as accredited majors. Management majors wanted to have the opportunity to form an honor society like those associated with the engineering majors. This could not be done until DFM became a candidate for accreditation.

So, DFM made the decision to pursue accreditation. The Dean concurred with the decision to seek accreditation in Fall 1995 and pledged support for DFMs accreditation efforts. The accrediting body for programs in management and business is the International Association for Management Education (also known as AACSB). This body is the best known and most widely respected source of accreditation for schools of

management and business. AACSB accepted DFMs accreditation plan and DFM entered the candidacy process in fall 1997 with an accreditation visit scheduled for spring 2001.

On 4 February 2001, DFM hosted a team that conducted a final American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Accreditation Review. [The acronym AACSB refers to the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business and the International Association for Management Education.] This visit represented the culmination of many years of effort to obtain this highest, and most prestigious recognition. The results: the review team unanimously recommended initial accreditation for the undergraduate management program. They even gave DFM a ranking of #1 based on the clear support for, and evidence of, high quality in the department.

You may be asking yourself what are the benefits of DFM accreditation? There are several benefits of accreditation. First, AACSB accreditation will afford the management major disciplinary accreditation similar to the prestigious national recognition now enjoyed by the engineering majors and chemistry majors at USAFA. Another benefit is that the Academy will be the first DoD organization to receive business accreditation.

With the federal governments focus on “better business practices,” USAFAs accreditation will provide a vital link to the necessary expertise. Thirdly, DFM pursued accreditation because all activities that have been required

Col. Rita Jordan

Head of the

Department of Management

obtain it have directly improved department processes by increasing operational efficiency, the development of better assessment tools, and by focusing the department on continuous improvement. Accreditation also enhances DFMs attractiveness to prospective civilian faculty by providing external validation of the management education at USAFA. Finally, to

AACSB accreditation enhances competitiveness of our cadets for selec-

You may be

asking yourself what are the benefits of accreditation?

tion to top graduate schools.

In some cases, AACSB accreditation will allow DFM graduates to waive up to 30 MBA credit hours—saving them

and/or the Air Force many thousands of dollars.

The Department of Management persevered and emerged with

nationally recognized accreditation. The review team was very impressed with the many strengths of the faculty, administrators, students, a

the Department of Management overall and its strong commitment to quality management programs. They even noted in their accreditation recommendation that “In many ways, the department is an example of best business practices and should take a leadership role in sharing its processes, metric systems, experiences, and outcomes with the members of the business school community.” We take our hats off to the Department of Management on a job well done! ■

By 1 st Lt. Karen Gregory CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2001

45

BEHIND

Cadets

THE

SCENES

Successfully

By C2C Nicolas Alcocer

execute the 43rd

Cadet Squadron 20

Academy Assembly.

The Academy and the Department of Political Science drew

together a broad spectrum of talent 27 Feb. through 2 March in hosting the 43

rd

Annual Academy Assembly, an event supported

by the AOG. This year’s focus was US policy in the Middle East and was entitled “The Struggle for Peace and Prosperity.”

The student-run Assembly, an annual event since 1959, was

co-sponsored by the Academy and Columbia University’s

American Assembly.

Approximately 150 highly qualified

undergraduates from more than 90 universities across North America attended this extraordinary exercise in consensus

building and policy making.

Assembly participants engaged in enlightening discussions with distinguished senior participants in academics,

business, and government who served as speakers, panelists, and roundtable leaders.

“This created a superior leadership laboratory experience for cadets who

planned and executed this major operation,”

said cadet director Kathy O’Brien. “Their cumulative efforts

promoted a positive image of the Air Force and the Academy.”

The assembly provided a forum for meaningful assessment of major international and national issues pertaining to the

Middle East, in addition to workshops on consensus building.

From this exercise in diplomacy, the students were able to produce an insightful and valuable final report that will be

published and distributed to a large number of academic and government institutions.

The 12-member roundtables- the core of the assemblyconsidered questions generated from the assembly theme in order to reach a consensus. Each roundtable built on the previous one,

tackling a different aspect of the central theme. Delegates from each roundtable met after each session to form consensus opinions and

draft their findings for presentation at the closing plenary session.

CHECKPOINTS, 46

SPRING

2 0 0 1

BEHIND

THE

SCENES

■ Academy Assembly cont.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near East-

To make this a top-notch event with realistic ef-

em and South Asian Affairs.

feet, a diverse group of scholars, senior government executives, theorists and practitioners who are directly involved

As a lighter side to the assembly, an art

in our national policy-making process attended and presented

display to embody this year’s topic, entitled “Arts

real issues and concerns.

and Crafts of the Middle East” was presented by Curator Dr. Pam Chadick from the Department of

Dr. Geoffrey Kemp, the Director of Regional Stra-

English.

tegic Programs at the Nixon Center, provided the assembly with a keynote address where he out-

The display was co-sponsored by the

lined the dominate challenges to US policy in the

assembly, the Association of Graduates; and

Middle East with regard to the peace process, Iraq,

the Olin, Olmstead, and Falcon Foundations.

Cadet O’Brien described the art

Iran, and energy security.

In the panel discussion, four distin-

show as “one way that we can unify our team

guished experts from various fields presented

and show the public what the assembly is

their views on the “Iraq Dilemma: The Future

all about.”

In their final report, assembly del-

of Sanctions.” This forum was moderated by Colonel Douglas Murray, head of the Department of Po-

egates focused on an array of issues to include the

litical Science.

U.S. policy toward the seemingly intractable peace pro-

Members of the panel consisted of the former UN

cesses

in the Levant; the value of US policy in the

Gulf region and the value of alternatives to the exist-

Assistant Secretary General, Dennis Halliday; and Dr. Gary

Sick, Executive Director of Gulf/2000 and Acting Director

ing policy of dual containment; and finally,

of the Middle East Institute at Columbia University;

Dr.

transnational challenges to US interests, including

Kenneth Allard, Vice-President of STRATFOR Inc. and an

water resources, terrorism, and threat from weapons

NBC/MSNBC commentator; and Mr. Joe Stork, the Middle

of mass destruction.

“The assembly was a unique and

East Advocacy Director of Human Rights Watch.

intellectually stimulating experience that encour-

Ambassador Roscoe Suddarth, President of the Middle East Institute, gave the final banquet address out-

aged students from diverse backgrounds to

lining the difficulties faced by the new Bush administra-

explore methods of seeking commonality and

tion in reinvigoration the peace process and reshaping

making practical recommendations to U.S.

policy toward Iraq and Iran.

policy-makers,” said O’Brien.

“The assembly

enriched the education of all the participants.” ■

Suddarth has led a distinguished career as the

former U.S. Ambassador to Jordan, as well as the former

□

The Catholic Cadet Choir

performs at the

National Cathedral The Catholic Cadet Choir toured the Eastern seaboard

during Spring Break. Highlights of their trip included performances on the deck of the USS Constitution and at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

COURTESY PHOTO

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2001 47

T

alk to most any USAFA graduate who left the Academy

prior to 1996 and you will hear the same comment, “I sure wish we had more NCOs at the

was there.”

Academy while I

Since the fall of 1995, comments like this have

become a thing of the past.

In the early 1990s, the United States Air Force Academy began researching the idea of developing a program aimed at putting cadets into daily contact with enlisted personnel.

Academy officials made contact with graduates from past years, and their response was overwhelming: more

They wished they had

interaction with enlisted personnel while at USAFA.

Academy officials continued their research by traveling to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval

Academy at Annapolis to study their Tactical NCO programs, which had been up-and-running for several years. Their findings showed a positive impact on the professional development and morale of Army’s cadets and Navy’s midshipmen. With the

research done, all that was left was to sell the program to those in command.

A proposal for 40 noncommissioned officer manpower

authorizations, one for each of the 40 squadrons within the wing, was briefed to Gen.

Ronald R. Fogleman, Air Force chief of

staff, who gave the program his immediate and enthusiastic support and approval. The NCOs were to be known as Military

Training Advisors (MTA) to signify the role envisioned for them at USAFA. With the program sold, the hard part was to now find

the right people to fill the job.

The Academy’s training environment is unique, to say the least. Because of this, the search for the first 40 MTAs was very selective. Over 200 candidates applied. Applicant packages were evaluated on the basis of

diversity of operational experi-

ence, leadership skills and experience, duty performance as

documented in performance reports and through recognition of

exceptional accomplishments in their respective fields, profes(continued next page) CHECKPOINTS, 48

SPRING

2001

“No longer is the term MTL synomous with just cadet squadrons. The NCO corps is now professionally represented by MTLs at all levels and in myriad

positions throughout the training wing.”

Msgt. Lou Fisher As MTLs established their presence throughout the

sional military education, speaking ability, and overall personal appearance.

cadet wing, USAFA senior leadership took note of their

Applicants making it past this first intensive

screening process were then interviewed to further determine

achievements. Positions held and roles previously per-

their professional qualifications and motivations. The first hires

formed by officers were passed to NCOs. No longer is the

were made and MTAs started

term MTL synonymous with just cadet squadrons.

1995.

arriving at USAFA in the fall of

The

NCO corps is now professionally represented by MTLs at

By January 1996, the program was fully manned and

all levels and in a myriad of positions throughout the

operational and has been going strong ever since.

training wing. From planning and executing Basic Cadet

Five years have gone by since the first 40 enlisted mentors arrived at the Academy. While the basic principles and

Training (BCT) and Global Engagement (GE) programs,

goals of the program haven’t changed, there have been a few

authoring and overseeing Cadet Military Training (CMT), or

modifications, not only to the MTA program, but also to the

working at the cadet squadron level, the impact is undeni-

overall enlisted presence and impact at USAFA. In 1999, the

able. MTLs have not only moved up in positions of

title of the MTA position changed to MTL, for Military Training

responsibility at USAFA, but also in the area of respect.

Leader. On the surface a seemingly minor change, but when

Respect for their role at the academy and for the NCO corps

considering the full range, capabilities, and impact of the NCO, a

they represent.

more

appropriate

now more

name could not have been

picked.

The MTL program’s continued success is a direct

The title

reflection of every NCO, past and present, who has held the

accurately reflects the role of the NCO as an Air

Force leader, not just as an individual offering advice on the

position or is now executing the role. Their dedication to

sidelines.

the development of tomorrow’s leaders is simply amazing.

If you look up the duty description for an MTL you will see

Talk to an Academy grad from any period after 1996 and you will probably hear some version of the following

it described in broad terms. “Advises and coordinates...

assists the Air Officer Commanding (AOC)... provides general

comment, “What do you mean there was a time when NCOs

supervision... provides instruction ...evaluates training.”

weren’t at USAFA? How did they do it without them?”

If you

Amazing what a difference five short years makes! ■

talk to someone in passing about it, they will tell you that an MTL loosely equates to a First Sgt. in the “operational” Air

Force; however, that description doesn’t adequately encompass all that an MTL does. The MTL position is one of those rare

postions in the Air Force that can’t be easily nailed down. You can

provide a basic framework and guidelines for what the job

will entail, but you can’t rely on that to be your walking orders on a

daily basis. MTLs are counselors, not only on professional

matters, but those of a personal nature also. They are trainers,

“As MTLs established their

not only in the drill and ceremony arena, but in all aspects of Air

Force life.

They teach both cadets and officers the importance of

the NCO corps and proper NCO—officer professional relations.

What it ultimately boils down to, MTLs are the enlisted role models for the entire cadet wing.

wing, USAFA senior leadership took note of their achievements. Positions held

Every action they take is

looked upon and scrutinized by over 4,000 cadets.

presence throughout the cadet

and roles previously per-

They are the

first and most lasting impression that cadets will have of the

formed by officers were

enlisted corps, and of NCOs in particular.

passed to NCOs.”

CHECKPOINTS,

SPRING

2001 49

ATTENTION IN THE AREA

By Col. Rich Downing (USAF, Ret), ‘70 AOG Vice President, Services AOG Website is Redesigned

The AOG website at www.aog-usafa.org recently had a “facelift.” The

opening page has changed and the wide range of topics and information on the site has increased. For information on development activities, job programs, and more, this is the only web address you need. And for

Class Ring Information Graduates who need to replace, repair or resize their Academy class

rings should go directly to the manufacturer. They have the expertise and equipment to repair or replace your ring. Contact them for cost estimates (which vary significantly) or any other questions. The manu-

those times you need other sources, we have convenient links to USAFA,

facturers and contact information:

Athletics, the other service academies, and the local newspaper.

lostens

Register Deadline A major AOG service is one of providing up-to-date information on

graduates through the annual Register of Graduates. The 2001 edition will be mailed to members of record in early November. The biographical information form printed near the center of each magazine should be used on an ongoing basis to update graduate data. Since the individual graduate is the critical source of Register information, it is vital that you keep the AOG informed of address changes, promotions, new jobs, etc. Information updates to be included in the 2001 Register must be received by 1 August 2001.

Inappropriate Use of Register Addresses We are continually concerned about the misuse of graduate addresses

Owatonna, MN 55060 (800) 852-9353

myersm@jostens.com Balfour Company c/o Jess Crane

Classes of 1959, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1975,

3502 S. Marion St.

1994

Englewood, CO 80110 (303) 789-0623 (Evenings: (303)

>7-0557) Classes of 1985, 1987, 1988,

Herff Jones 226 Public Street

ArtCarved

your AOG. This is directly in violation of AOG policy as well as an infringement of copyright laws as spelled out on the first page of the 2000 Register.

7211 Circle S Road

Register. The AOG will contact the mailer to ascertain how they obtained your address and take appropriate action.

Class of 2000

Austin, TX 78745 (1-800-531-5131)

The AOG requests that members notify the Vice President, Informareceive where their mailing address was apparently obtained from the

1993, 1995

Providence,RI 02905 (401)331-1240

listed in the Register for business and political purposes not sanctioned by

tion Services, immediately of any non-AOG-sanctioned solicitation they

Classes of 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

148 East Broadway

Visitors Center Offers AOG Discount The AOG is pleased to announce a membership benefit. Through the

cooperation of the Academy Athletic Association (AFAAA), all AOG members are eligible to receive a discount on over-the-counter sales at the Academy Visitors Center Gift Shop (which is operated by AFAAA).

Graduate- to-Graduate

You only need to show the cashier your AOG membership card to re-

AOG-mail System In Place

only to active duty and retired military customers. The discount does not apply to mail orders.

ceive your 10 percent discount. This discount was previously extended

The AOG has an e-mail forwarding system that graduates can use to communicate with other graduates. There is no need to know the e-

Doolittle Hall Available

mail address of a graduate to send AOG-mail. The system was pre-loaded with the home e-mail addresses from the AOG database as it existed on

Sept. 10, 1999.

Graduates may add, change, or delete their e-mail ad-

dress from AOG-mail. AOG-mail is accessible through the “Graduates” Link on the AOG Web Main Page.

Sending e-mail through AOG-mail is straightforward, but only one class may be searched at a time, and that search may be further limited by graduation squadron or name.

There is no automated link between the AOG’s Doolittle Hall data-

base, which holds both home and work e-mail addresses, and the AOGmail database, which holds only one e-mail address; a change to one database will not update the other.

Each graduate must update the

AOG-mail system and then alert the AOG to change the Doolittle Hall

database, and vice versa.

For Many Special Occasions Doolittle Hall is available for special functions. To date the AOG has hosted a variety of events: department meetings, retirements, wedding

receptions, workshops, cocktail parties, luncheons and formal and informal dinners.

Doolittle Hall can accommodate as many as 300 at a sit-down dinner and more than 500 for a cocktail party.

Available facilities include conference rooms, the library lounge with

bar, and outdoor patio area, weather permitting. AOG members receive

preferential rates. For information and rates on your specific requirements, please call Jean Bickford at the AOG at (719) 472-0300.

Hiring Companies Wanted Service Academy Career Conference (SACC)

Seattle, Wash. August 23 25,2001 Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas November 1 -3,2001 -

Is your company hiring? Are you looking for well-educated, well-trained, and motivated workers? If so, graduates of the service academies provide the ideal candidate pool. For access to these candidates, participate in one or more of the upcoming Service Academy Career Conferences (SACC). SACCs are scheduled for Seattle, Wash, on August 23 -

25, 2001 (at the Westin Seattle in downtown Seattle) and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas on November 1

-

3, 2001 (at the

Westin Galleria). You will find service academy graduates are a cost-effective source of new employees with excep-

tional life and work experiences. For more information about the Service Academy Career Conferences, call Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300 or visit our web site at www.aog-usafa.org.

50

Service Academy

SACC

Career Conference

What is the SACC?

August 23-25,2001 Seattle, Washington

The SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference sup-

ported by the Associations of Graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Military Academy, and Alumni Associations from the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The previous conferences were attended by hundreds of companies and thousands of alumni.

4. To participate in the next SACC, send the following to

the SACC office no later than July 22,2001: a.

Completed registration form

b. A $25 registration fee, payable to SACC c. Two hard

copies of your resume (one page/one side)

Where will the SACC be held?

5. The schedule for the SACC is:

The next SACC will be held at the Westin Seattle in Se-

attle, Washington. You may obtain a room for the SACC rate, if available. Call (206) 728-1110 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate. There are many other hotels avail-

Thursday, August 23, 2001 *

able in the area, or think about renewing relationships

Interview Prep Seminar at 7 p.m.

Friday, August 24,2001 Registration opens at 9 a.m. and continues throughout the day.

with classmates in the area.

*

How to register for the SACC:

*

1. Ensure your AOG membership is current as this ser-

Two open sessions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

to 6 p.m. In the ballroom, wander from table to table

vice is offered to members only.

meeting face to face with recruiters from a wide variety of companies.

2. Ensure your resume is included in the Joint Service Academies Resume Database System (JSARDS). To en-

Saturday, August 25, 2001

ter your resume, visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org,

*

Recruiters may schedule individual interviews.

click on “graduate job programs” and follow the instructions.

When attending the SACC, bring several copies of your resume

3. If you previously submitted your resume to the Joint

to leave with recruiters as they review resumes

collected at the conference and may contact candidates

Service Academies Resume Database System, please use

at a later date.

the password you received to update and verify the in-

the conference offers a unique chance to explore new ca-

formation in the system. Recruiters at previous SACCs

opportunities.If you have any questions on this AOG membership service, please contact Wayne Taylor at (719)

found having electronic access to resumes extremely

helpful. Be sure your resume is accurate and complete.

Although employment is not guaranteed,

reer

472-0300 or DSN 333-4513.

SACC Candidate Registration Form (Seattle, Wash.)

NAME (for nametag, no ranks):

USAFA CLASS:

ADDRESS : PHONE

(Work):

(Home):

(E-mail):

RESUME CATEGORY: (from web site at www.aog-usafa.org/SACC_Registration.htm)

Will you attend the free Interview Prep Seminar?

Please include:

EH Registration Form

EH Yes

EH Fee $25

EH No EH Resumes (two hard copies)

Mail to: SACC, 247 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402-5068 51

THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES Is The Proud Sponsor Of

SPIRIT AND FLIGHT A PHOTOGRAPHIC SALUTE TO THE USAF ACADEMY Over 150 Color Photographs by Acclaimed Photographer

ELIZABETH GILL LUI ‘You have combined a great pictorial look at the Academy with a profound view of its mission, its beautiful surroundings with its recent history, and the hopes and aspirations of the cadets with the whole Air Force

very sueS. former USAFA (Thomas Moorman, cessfully!”

Supt)) -

Please send me

copies at $66.00 each. ($60.00 plus $6.00 shipping and handling) COLORADO PURCHASES: See below for applicable information.

TOTAL DUE

NAME:

“I hope your work will be a motivational reminder to all who see it of the great aspects of the Academy and

of its place among the truly beautiful institutions of national significance. (Donald I. Barrett) ”

□ Check Enclosed (payable to AOG) Charge to my □ VISA or □ Mastercard CREDIT CARD NUMBER

□□□□ □□□□ □□□□ □□□□ Expiration □□□□ Daytime Telephone Signature

STREET:

COLORADO SALES TAX: Colorado Sales Tax is required for sales at Doolittle Hall or mailed to a Colorado address as follows:

CITY:

DOOLITTLE HALL AND El Paso county

STATE:

ZIP:

COLORADO SPRINGS

-

-

4%

6.1%

ELSEWHERE WITHIN COLORADO

-

3%

THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES, 3116 ACADEMY DRIVE, USAF ACADEMY, CO 80840-4475

PHONE: (719) 472-0300 DSN: 333-2067 FAX:(719) 333-4194. E-MAIL: aog@aog-usafa.org.

AOG Merchandise Is The AOG is proud to offer this award-

winning book signed by author Fred Kiley and ex-POW Mike McGrath.

Available Online AOG merchandise is available online. From the AOG home page at

www.aog-usafa.org, select "merchandise” from the menu on the left, then follow the links.

HONOR BOUND A •

4^'

•

2000).

AMERICAN PRISONERS Of WAX •

in South*** A$in 1961-1973

A bestseller in its

5th printing (April Named Best Book

of the Year (non-fiction) by the National Press Club.

•

Winner of the Na-

val Institute’s Author

of the Year Award.

•

A Pulitzer Prize

Nominee in the hisStuart l. Rochester «nd Frederick Klfey

tory category.

Once in the merchandise area you will find a selection of AOG-unique gift items and clothing as well as a limited

number of cadet-issue items.

From these pages, you can view and purchase any number of popular items. When viewing the merchandise, click on the item name for a

larger image. Once you have completed your shopping, checkout is through a secure server (even though the familiar lock does not appear) using either your Visa or MasterCard. If you so desire, you can print out your order form and mail it with your check to the AOG for pro-

cessing.

Orders will normally be processed within one week of arrival at the AOG. For domestic addresses, you should receive your merchandise

within about two weeks of when the order was placed. We hope you enjoy the convenience of ordering AOG merchandise on line. If you

experience problems or have suggestions about our store, please send them to Store@aog-usafa.org.

AOG Board Approves New Format

This best-seller chronicles the stories of American POWs in

for Register of Graduates

Southeast Asia between 1961 and 1973. It is a “must read” for

The AOG Board of Directors has approved a new format for the

those interested in that period of our history. Now available

AOG Register of Graduates. Starting with the 2000 Register, the book

through the AOG (Association of Graduates, 3116 Academy Drive, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840-4475) for $38.95 plus shipping (if mailed) and on the AOG Online Merchandise Site at www.aog-usafa.org.

will contain full biographical information on each class at five-year increments from its graduation year. The 2001 edition will contain

full bios on the Classes of 1961,1966,1971,1976,1981,1986,1991,

1996, and 2001. Members of these classes are encouraged to update their biographical information prior to August.

52

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g

: ’

i

’

'i

■

GARDEN OF THE GODS TRAVEL A BETTER WAY TRAVEL SERVICE

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www.GardenoftheGodsTravel.vacation.com email:travel@ rmi.net Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (719) 599-9500 4105 Centennial Blvd.

•

•

Graduate Biographical Update Form Name at Graduation:

Class:

Date: AOG ID #

or

SSAN:

(From the Register or Checkpoints mailing label) Please make the following Changes/Additions to my records in the AOG Database:

Preferred Name for mailing labels: Effective Date:

Mailing Address: State:

City: Duty assignment

or

Zip Code:

Country:

Civilian Title:

Unit/Company & Location: Work Address:

Effective Date:

State:

City: Home Phone: (

Country: DSN:

_Work Phone: (_

)_

Home FAX: (

Zip Code:

Work FAX: (

)

Home e-mail:

Web URL:

Work e-mail: Marital Status: Single/Divorced/Married: If Married: Spouse’s name: Marital

or

Legal Name Change: (provide documentation)

If Spouse is a Graduate please provide the following: Spouse’s Grad Class:

AOG ID #

Spouse’s Graduation Name: The AOG receives promotion, aeronautical rating, PME, and sponsored civilian education updates from the

USAF Personnel Center for Active Duty USAF graduates only; USAFR, Guard, and other service graduates MUST provide us this information personally. USAF Active Duty Graduates should provide it, in case the

official data sources are in error. (Please provide documentation to correct errors.)

Rank:

Date of Rank:

Aero Rating:

PME:

Residence/Seminar/Correspondence; Dates:

All Graduates:

Civilian

Date of Rating:

Award(s):

Degree:

Year:

Major:

Institution:

The following Data is being collected to populate the AOG Database.

Doolie Squadron:

Graduation Squadron:

Source of Nomination: Congressional:

Other: Enter State

Varsity Letter Earned: Year (s):

Home of Record State:

i.e. Presidential, Prep School, etc.

_

While at USAFA

Sport (s):

Squadron/Group/Wing Command/Honor Positions: Other Relatives Attend (ed) (ing) USAFA: Name (s), Class and Relationship

Remarks:

Signature:

Date:

Mail to: Association of Graduates (Bio Info), 3116 Academy Dr., USAF Academy CO 80840-4475,

E-mail to: aog@aog-usafa.org, or update via: www.aog-usafa.org 54

Rev: dtp os/oo

AOG GIFT ORDER FORM Complete and send to: ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES 3116 Academy Drive

USAF Academy CO 80840-4475

(719) 472-0300 FAX: (719) 333-4194

www.aog-usafa.org

SEE ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS BELOW Item#

Item Description

Quantity

Size

Total Price (Please use correct member/nonmember

price.)

Item #0505

Rosewood/Light Maple Pen Set (Circle One)

Crest #1

Line #1

Crest #2

Line #2 Line #3

Total

Class year/AOG#:

Name:

Street:

CO Sales Tax State:

City: Check enclosed.

(see instructions below)

Zip:

Daytime Phone: (

Shipping & Handling

)

Credit card (VISA or MasterCard only) Print

(see instructions below)

name on credit card:

Total Due (subject to verification of membership)

Signature: Card#

/

/

/

Expiration:

/

AOG GIFT CATALOG. Prices current as of 1 May 2001. Price, style and color are SUBfECT TO CHANGE. Prices differ for members and nonmembers on many items. Sales of some items are restricted to graduates and/or AOG members.

ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS: List each item on the “Order Blank” fill in item #, quantity, item description, size and total price (using the -

appropriate member or nonmember price). Special order items require extra time and additional information on the order form above. When ordering class-specific items, include the applicable class year.

COLORADO SALES TAX: We are required to collect Colorado sales tax for items sold at Doolittle Hall or mailed to a Colorado address as follows: Doolittle Hall and El Paso County 4%. Colorado Springs 6.1%. Elsewhere in Colorado 3%.

SHIPPING AND HANDLING: For mail orders, please add $5 or 10% (whichever is greater). If ordering only decals, S&H cost is $.75.

PAYMENT can be made by check (made out to “AOG”) or credit card. If paying by credit card, please clearly print your credit card number, expiration date (month and year) and the name as shown on the card, then sign in the space provided.

NAME, MAILING ADDRESS, DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER, and CLASS YEAR (for graduates)/AOG# should be clearly printed in the spaces provided.

-

-

-

CUT OUT OR COPY ORDER FORM and mail to the address/fax to the phone number at the top of the page.

COMMENTS or SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

MOST ITEMS LIST TWO PRICES

-

THE FIRST FOR MEMBERS OF THE AOG, AND A SECOND, HIGHER PRICE FOR NONMEMBERS.

GLASSWARE: AOG Crest etched on clear glass.

Sold individually or in sets of four.

Old Fashion Glasses: Item #0703

Member/Nonmember

Sets of Four

$4.00/$5.00 $4.00/$5.00 $4.50/$5.50

$14.00/$18.00 $14.00/$18.00 $16.00/$20.00

$4.00/$5.00

$14.00/$18.00

7 3/4 oz.

Item #0704 10 1/4 oz.

Item #0705 12 1/4 oz.

Highball: Item #0706

10 1/2 oz.

Stemware: Item #0702

12 oz. Brandy Snifter $5.00/$6.00

Item #0701

7 3/4 oz. Wine Glass

Item #0707

10 oz. Goblet

Item #0700

12 oz. Pilsner Glass

$5.00/$6.00 $5.00/$6.00 $5.00/$6.00

$18.00/$22.00 $18.00/$22.00 $18.00/$22.00 $18.00/$22.00

Mug s: Item #0415 White Ceramic Mug, 12 oz.

$6.00/$7.00 $5.00/$6.00 $5.00/$6.00

Item #0416 Insulated Water Bottle Item #0417 Car Cup

SABERS and PLAQUES: The Cadet Saber is sold to GRADUATE AOG MEMBERS ONLY. The AOG does not sell the mounting case

-

call

for information where to get the mounting case.

Member/Nonmember Item #4000 Cadet Saber with Scabbard Item #0407 Etched Falcon on White Marble Item #0408 Wooden Chapel

$185.00/NA $70.00/$85.00 $17.00/$20.00

COASTERS: Item #0530

Pegasus Coasters

-

Terra Cotta and Blue. Water

Absorbent, nonscratch bottoms. Set of four.

$25.00/$29.00

Item #0531 Leather Coasters in a tin display case. Set of six. Three

with AOG crest and three with USAFA crest.

$15.00/$18.00

LICENSE PLATE FRAMES: Item #0402 ‘FALCONS” frame Item #0403 “ALUMNI” frame

Mix/Match set of frames above (please specify)

$4.50/$4.50 $4.50/$4.50 $8.00/$8.00

PERSONALIZED PEN AND PRESENTATION CASE:

Light Maple or Rosewood. Name on pen. Case engraved with your choice of two of the following three crests, “AOG”, “USAFA”, or “CLASS” and up to three lines of personalizing. Please allow 5 weeks for engraving and shipping. Specify crests and personalizing on order form.

Item #0505 Pen and Case

$24.00/$24.00

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS: Item #0605 2000 USAFA Chapel (3” x 3.5”)

$19.00/$23.00 $23.00/$27.50 Item #0603 1998 Polaris w/Crossed Sabers (3” x 3”) $23.00/$27.50 Item #0602 1997 Prop & Wings (3” x 3”) $23.00/$27.50 Item #0601 1995 Pegasus (3” x 3”) $23.00/$27.50 Item #0604

1999 USAFA Crests (Double sided, 3”x 3”)

Item #0600 1994 Falcon (2.5” x 2”)

$23.00/$27.50

AOG GIFT CATALOG: 1 November 2000. Prices, styles and colors are subject to change without notice. Contact the AOG at (719) 472-0300 for current prices or visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org which will have current “member” prices.

MOST ITEMS LIST TWO PRICES

-

THE FIRST FOR MEMBERS OF THE AOG, AND A SECOND, HIGHER PRICE FOR NONMEMBERS.

USAFA SCARF: 100% silk with USAFA crest and falcon

design. Dark blue. $26.00/$29.50

Item: #0302 USAFA NECKTIE:

80% silk tie with USAFA and Prop &

$21.00/$23.00

Wings design.

Item #0300 Blue

Item #0301 Garnet (Red)

IEWELRY: Item #0433

Sterling silver Prop & Wings

Necklace

$24.50/$28.50

Item #0436 Polaris tie tack/lapel pin

inl4Kt yellow or white gold

With small diamond Without diamond

$69.00/$83.00 $42.00/$51.00

Item #0434 Prop & Wings charm in 14kt yellow gold

With small diamond Without diamond

SWEATERS AND SHIRTS:

-

extra

$95.00/$l 10.00 $71.00/$85.00

charge on some larger sizes.

Item #0180 AOG Rugby Shirt: 100% cotton (10% shrinkage, sizes run true)

Gray and navy blue with AOG crest embroidered on left breast.

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL, XXXL) Item #0200 Crewneck Sweater: sweater.

$47.00/$55.00 $50.00/$58.00

lersey top, pebble bottom dark blue

100% pre-shrunk cotton. Sizes run one size smaller than

normal fit. AOG crest embroidered on left breast.

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL)

$48.00/$57.00 $51.00/$60.00

Item #0210 AOG V-neck Sweat Top: 85% cotton/15% polyester.

Oversized to compensate for shrinkage. Natural oatmeal (light beige) with Navy striped trim. AOG crest embroidered on left breast pocket.

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG)

$46.00/$55.00

Item #0280 AOG Golf Shirt: 100% combed cotton. Colors: glacier

blue, dark blue, or white. AOG crest embroidered on left breast. $38.00/$45.00 (SM, MED, LRG, XLG) $40.00/$48.00 (XXL)

JACKETS:

-

extra charge on some larger sizes.

Item #0100 Polar Jacket: Fleece-lined blue nylon shell with

embroidered AOG crest.

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL) $73.00/$87.50 Item #0110

$70.00/$84.00 (3X) $75.00/$90.00

Suede Leather Jacket: Navy blue/tan with

embroidered AOG crest.

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL, 3X) Item #0140

$120.00/$144.00 $125.00/$150.00

Blue Microfiber Windbreaker with embroidered

AOG crest on left breast.

CADET ISSUE CLOTHING: (available to AOG members only) Item #0001

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL) $73.00/$87.50

$70.00/$84.00 (3X) $75.00/$90.00

Sweatsuit: 89% cotton/8% polyester/3%rayon.

Oversized to accommodate shrinkage.

Light gray with dark gray

reflective strips and USAFA. Sweat Top

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL) $35.00/NA $37.00/NA Sweat Pants (SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL) Member price $24.50/NA $22.50/NA (SM, MED, LRG, XLG) (XXL) Complete Set Member price $55.00/NA $58.00/NA Item #0030 USAFA T-Shirt: 100% cotton (will shrink). White with Member Price

blue ringer collar and sleeves. “USAFA” silkscreened on left breast.

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG) $8.00/NA

Member price Item #0050 run

large.

Jacket Pants

(XXL) $9.00/NA

Running Suit: Dark blue with reflective strips.

Sizes

(SM, MED, LRG, XLG, XXL) $80.00/NA $48.00/NA

AOG GIFT CATALOG: 1 May 2001. Prices, styles and colors are subject to change without notice. Contact the AOG at

(719) 472-0300 for current prices or visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org which will have current “member” prices.

BOOKS AND VIDEOS: (* = Paperback) Books/videos are the same price for members and nonmembers except where two prices are given.

Item #0340

-

Into the Mouth of the Cat*

$4.00

The story of Lance Sijan, ‘65 The Rescue of BAT 21 Autographed by Grad author Darrel Whitcomb, ‘69

Item #0341

Item #0342

-

-

The Iskra Incident

$27.95 $19.95

‘

Autographed by Grad author Jimmie Butler, 63 Item #0344 Red Lightning, Black Thunder Autographed by Grad author Jimmie Butler, ‘63 Item #0345 Separated by War Autographed by Grad author Ed Herlik, ‘80 Item #0347 Modernism at Mid Century History of the architecture of USAFA Item #0348 Courage and Air Warfare* Autographed by Grad author Mark Wells, ‘75 -

-

-

-

Courage and Air Warfare Autographed by Grad author Mark Wells, ‘75 Item #0350 The Secret Life of Waldo F. Dumbsquat* Autographed by Grad author Don Hall, ‘76 Item #0349

$49.50

-

$10.00

-

Item #0352

A Certain Brotherhood*

-

$ 10.00

Autographed by Grad author Jimmie Butler, ‘63 $21.95

Item #0354

Honor Bound

-

$38.95

Autographed by one of the authors $24.95 $50.00 $22.00

Item #0510

Video: Return With Honor

-

$19.00/$24.00

Documentary of the experiences of POWs in Vietnam Item #0351 $60.00 Spirit and Flight A photographic salute to the USAF Academy. Over 150 color photographs. Sponsored by the AOG. By Elizabeth Gill Lui. -

CLASS NOTEBOOKS: Two-tone gray suede cover, junior legal size (6” x 9”), with class crest embossed on front with class color stripe; inside note pad and pen; available in limited quantities for the following classes. $10.00/$ 10.00 Item#5392: ‘92 Notebook Item #5393: ‘93 Notebook

Item #5394: ‘94 Notebook

Item #5395: ‘95 Notebook

Item #5397: ‘97 Notebook

Item #5398: ‘98 Notebook

Item #5399: ‘99 Notebook

Item #5200: ‘00 Notebook

Item #5201: ‘01 Notebook

AOG ACCESSORIES AND OTHER ITEMS DECALS: Class crests on a window decal (self-adhesive to inside of

glass) for all years except ‘92. Specify class year.

SWEATERS: Blue and white, 80% Orion/20% wool crew neck.

“Falcons”

$1.00/$1.00

Item #43XX: Class Decals

Item #0150

Item #0502: AOG Membership Decal

NOTECARDS:

HONOR MEDALLION: A 2 1/2” diameter brass medallion with the

Item #0503:

$12.00/$15.00 $31.00/$35.00

Item #0541: Honor Medallion with stand

BIAZF.R PATCHES: Pin-back patch embroidered with appropriate crest.

Item #0313: AOG Blazer Patch

$19.00/$23.00 $19.00/$23.00 $19.00/$23.00 $19.00/$23.00

Item #0314: AFA Blazer Patch

Item #0800: Class of ‘59 Blazer Patch Item #0810: Class of ‘60 Blazer Patch

KEYCHAINS: Blue keychain with silver AOG crest.

Item #0500

$4.00/$4.00 $.50/$.50 $20.00/$23.00

UMBRELLA: Item #0504

$5.00/$5.00

Item #0506: Falcon Notecards

Set of 10 with envelopes

$15.00/$15.00

Item #0507: Phoenix Notecards

Set of 10 with envelopes

$15.00/$15.00

IEWELRY:

Item #0430: Sterling Silver AOG Charm Item #0431: Sterling Silver AOG Tie Tack

HATS: Item #0310: AFA hat w/class year.

$24.00/$29.00 $24.00/$29.00 $9.00/$l 1.00

Navy blue w/embroi-

dered AFA crest and class year. Please specify class year.

SQUADRON PINS: Pins match patches currently used by squadrons.

Item #0070: Please specify squadron

Doolittle Hall Notecards (6” x 4.5”)

Item #0432: Prop & Wings. Silver and gold colored

$2.00/$2.00

MAGNETS: Item #0501

SM, MED, LRG, XLG (sorry no XXL) $21.00/$25.00

Set of 10 with envelopes

Honor Code on one side and Prop & Wings on the other.

Item #0540: Honor Medallion

-

Adjustable leather strap for size.

$18.00/$21.00

Item #0311: AOG hat. Navy blue with brown bill.

Adjustable strap for fit.

$15.00/$18.00

FINE ART PRINTS Item #0320: “Here’s a Toast...” By Keith Ferris Item #0321: “Gyrfalcon” by Frace Item #0322: “Thunderbird” by Rick Broome

$60.00/$60.00 $75.00/$75.00 $50.00/$50.00

Item #0323: “Footfalls” Artist Proofs

$150.00/$150.00 $85.00/$85.00

Item #0324: “Aurora” by Gallo

‘Footfalls”

‘Here’s a Toast"

“Thunderbirds”

“Gyrfalcon” “Aurora” AOG GIFT CATALOG: 1 May 2001. Prices, styles and colors are subject to change without notice. Contact the AOG at (719) 472-0300 for current prices or visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org which will have current “member” prices.

U. S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

(719) 472-0300

Receptionist DSN

333-4513

Answering Machine E-mail

(719) 333-2073

aog@aog-usafa.org (719) 333-4194

Fax

WWW

http: / /www.aog-usafa.org

Executive Offices:

Checkpoints and Register of Graduates:

Services: (continued)

President/CEO: Col. (Ret) James A. Shaw, ‘67

Assistant Editor: Tom Kroboth

Saber Rental: Celeste Storie

Executive Assistant: Pat Buland

Advertising: Dick Rauschkolb/Bob McAllister Chapter News: Bob McAllister/Tom Kroboth

Web Site:

Secretary: Leah Burrows Receptionist: Michelle Cowan Accountant: Joyce Love Class Rings: Donna Porter

Special Case Golf Reservations: John Rice Wayne Taylor

Class News: Bob McAllister/Tom Kroboth ACADEMY PHONE NUMBERS

Services: Vice President: Col. (Ret) Rich Downing, ‘70

Death Notification:

Career Opportunities

Notices: Pat Buland; Obituaries: Tom Kroboth

Company Contact: Wayne Taylor

Development:

Resume Service: Wayne Taylor

Vice President: Lt. Col. (Ret) Gary S. Howe, ‘69

SACC. Wayne Taylor Service Academy Business Resource Directory

Building Fund: Michael Brown Class Gifts: Chery Flores Corporate Giving: Gary Howe Major Giving: Gary Howe Matching Gifts: Sandra Luckhurst Memorial/Endowment Funds: Chery Flores Paver Project: Michael Brown Planned Giving: Gary Howe Sabre Society: Jim Shaw, Kathy McCann

Sales: Wayne Taylor, Celeste Storie

Information Services:

Computer Systems: Jack Mueller, ‘70 Database Coordinator: Don McCarthy External Communications: Vice President: Col. (Ret) Dick Rauschkolb, ‘70 Director of Marketing & Media: Bob McAllister

(719) 333-3070 (800) 443-9266 Alumni Affairs (719) 333-3832 Athletic Ticket Office (800) 666-8723 Base Locator Academy Military (719) 333-4262 (719) 333-4910 Billeting (VOQ) Cadet Awards (719) 333-3833 Cadet Command Post (719) 333-2910 Diploma Repair/Replacement (719) 333-3972 Falcon Foundation (719) 333-4096 Golf Course (719) 333-3456 Liaison Officers (719) 333-2846 (719) 333-3323 Mortuary Affairs/Burial (719) 333-2501 Prep School Duty Officer (719) 333-3970 Transcripts USAFA Operator Assistance (719) 333-1110 USAFA Parents’ Clubs Contact (719) 333-3832 Visitor Center (800) 955-4438 Yearbooks/Cadet Media (719) 333-4644 Admission Applications

-

AOG Annual Fund: Michael Brown

Vice President: Col. (Ret) Chuck Denham, ‘67

Admissions

Updates: Wayne Taylor, Lani Wing Doolittle Hall Special Functions: Reservations (parties, etc.): Jean Bickford Address Updates: Steve Knight, John Rice Associate Memberships: John Rice Cadet Memberships: Don McCarthy Bio Updates: Steve Knight, John Rice Chapters/Societies: Wayne Taylor Class Reunions: Lani Wing/Donna Porter Grad. Dependent Scholarships: Lani Wing Graduate Membership: Steve Knight Graduate Records: Steve Knight Label/List Requests: Chuck Denham

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES 3116 ACADEMY DR

USAF ACADEMY, CO 80840-4475

Merchandise Sales: Celeste Storie

As of February 2001

Rental Car Cards: Steve Knight, John Rice

Service Academy Business Resource Directory (SABRD) The information reflected in the directory is obtained from members of the service academies alumni associations who wish to have their civilian positions listed in the publication. Indexed by geographical area, industry, company name, graduate last name and class year, the directory contains entries of approximately 14,000 graduates in business across the country and worldwide. Born from the belief that the Associations of Graduates and Alumni Associations exist not only to serve their academies but their membership, this directory creates an excellent business leadership network. The information also provides those in need of certain services an efficient way to find a fellow graduate.

SABRD ORDER FORM

l~l Please send

copies, at $45 (plus $8.95 S&H, $53.95 total each) of the 2001 SABRD.

Note: SABRD data is also available online (iSABRD). For information on sub-

scribing to iSABRD log onto aog-usafa.org/graduatejobprograms.

Please use this address in the AOG Database:

PAYMENT METHOD:

Check Enclosed (Payable to “AOG”)

NAME

|—| to |—| Charge my

ADDRESS

CITY, ST, ZIP

/

/

Card Exp Date (Month/Year

AOG or SSAN

HOME PHONE (_ CLASS YEAR

Visa or

)

MasterCard /

/

Name on card:

Signature:

Mail To: AOG, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.

Telephone orders by

Visa or MasterCard at (719) 472-0300 or DSN 333-2067 or fax to (719) 333-4194.

59

AND

WATCH

YOUR

CAREER

iflow DNX Facilities

In 1997, two Air Force Academy graduates

tlanta, GA

founded Inflow. Ever since, we’ve been

TAKE

OFF

34 898.9118 .

ustin, TX 12 531.5400

moving at a supersonic pace.

.

alias, TX 14 782.7800 .

enver, CO

20 932.5800 .

vine, GA 19 838.0400

Inflow is the leading provider of advanced colocation facilities and managed network services to today’s emerging e-businesses.

.

[inneapolis, MN 12 656.3800 .

ashville, TN 15 565.1000 .

With locations throughout the U.S. and

abroad, we’re growing fast and committed to excellence. And we need people like you.

.

The old rules no longer apply in today’s new economy. Inflow is

.

artland, OR 33 553.7800 .

aleigh/Durham, NC 19 287.1100 .

Diego, GA

in

58 812.5300 .

Louis, MO 14 754.0400 ;.

breaking the barriers by treating our employees with respect.

We value their opinion, their talent and most importantly, their

allegiance the success of our organization. We offer unparalleled training, opportunities for career growth and the freedom to

pening Soon icramento, CA aronto, Canada

'iami, FL ublin, Ireland cattle, WA

DaveAga Class of 1988 Cameron Brown Class of 1995 Kent Hennings

Class of 7994 Chris Bair Class of 1991 Mike Marcoux

challenge your abilities.

Class of 1993

.

tiiladelphia, PA

Leigh Wilbanks Class 0/1991 Class 0/1990

32 340.8220

12 594.2000

Class of 1986

Joel Daly

boenix, AZ

Lttsburgh, PA

Art Zeile

Dan Bojas

Come explore the possibilities. Visit our Web site or call 877-2INFLOW to learn more about how Inflow can help your career take off.

877-2INFLOW

mflow.com

Class of 1984 Mike Fontaine

Class of 1989

Association of Graduates Available Member Benefits/Services AOG offices are open Monday through Friday, 0730-1630 Mountain Time. For all offices, telephone: (719) 472-0300 (DSN: 333-2067/2073).

E-mail: aog@aog-usafa.org.

TRAVEL SERVICE: •

CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE:

REGISTER OF GRADUATES:

annual presentation of biographical infer-

•

mation on all Academy graduates.

E-MAIL:

ask for the Association of Graduates rate (ex-

•

•

bates. Drop-shipping available. Contact the Commercial Sales Division, Ferguson Pontiac-GMC

outstanding yields from MBNA. 1-800-900-

Truck (719) 596-5005/ (800) 782-0826/ fax (719) 596-7569

LINE OF CREDIT:

unsecured line of credit is available from

•

special 10% discount rate from Budget: (800)

455-2848 (AOG ID T507 400). You must present

and ask for priority code J2ON-FI-603-2G. You

your AOG-provided Budget card when picking up

will receive a decision in as little as 15 minutes.

your car.

AOG CREDIT CARD: •

favorable terms and credit limits from MBNA

to source code J8CJ.

•

save

10% at participating Clarion, Comfort,

Econo Lodge, Rodeway, Friendship, Quality and

Sleep Inns, Hotels, Resorts (800) 4-CHOICE. (Ask for the travelers discount for AFA AOG members, -

SCHOLARSHIPS: a

con •

preparatory school scholarship via the FalFoundation.

ID # C00041511).

post secondary scholarships to graduates’

children.

LOCATOR SERVICE: •

need to find a fellow graduate? We help!

SABER RENTAL: •

sets of six for the military wedding.

check-in. save 50% at the

Wyndham Colorado Springs

when traveling in January, March, April and Oc-

tober, November, and December. Call (800) 9626982 and ask for the AOG VIP Rate (excludes group, special events and promotional rates).

Discount based on rack rates and subject to avail-

ability. Must present AOG membership card

•

save 50% at the

Sumner Suites of Colorado

Springs when traveling January through April and November/December. Call (719) 265-9385 groups, special events or with any other promotion). Discount based on regular rate and is subject to availability. AOG membership

card required upon check-in. save 25% at the Las Vegas Hawthorn Suites during June, July and August. This is a nongaming hotel just steps from many major ca•

•

15% savings at Woodfin Suites- (800) 237-8811

•

an

approximate 20% saving at the Embassy

Suites Hotel of Colorado Springs. Call (719) 599-

sinos. Call (702) 739-7000 and ask for the AOG

9100 and ask for the AOG RSVIP Corporate Rate

VIP rate.

(excludes special and group events). You must present

subject to availability. Must present AOG membership card upon check-in.

your AOG membership card at check-in.

Corporate Members Association of Graduates, US AFA Air Academy Federal Credit Union

Air Academy National Bank Air Force Association

Ampex Corporation Betac Corporation The Boeing Company Budget Rent a Car Corporation Van Gilder Insurance Corp.

Continental Electronics

(Division of Varian Associates, Inc.) Electronic Data Systems Corporation Embassy Suites Hotel of Colorado Springs General Dynamics Corporation General Motors Corporation Jostens, Inc. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics The MITRE Corporation

Motorola, Inc. Government Electronics Group Northwestern Preparatory School

PRC, Inc.

Raytheon Rockwell International

TRW, Inc., Electronic & Defense Sector United Parcel Service United Services Automobile Association United Technologies Corporation USAF Academy Athletic Association

Walsworth Publishing of Colorado Westinghouse Electric Corporation Defense & Electronic Center

Wyndham Colorado Springs Hotel Corporate memberships are being offered for the life of the corporation. With the exception of voting and holding office, corporate members enjoy all privileges of regular members. For more information write to Col. (Ret) Rich Downing, vice president, Services, Association of Graduates, 3116 Academy Dr., U.S. Air Force Academy CO 80840-4475. Phone (719) 472-0300. E-mail

services@aog-usafa.org.

•

and ask for the AOG Special Rate (not valid for

HOTEL DISCOUNTS:

America. To apply call 1-800-523-7666 and refer

•

on

upon check-in.

CAR RENTAL DISCOUNTS:

MBNA America. To apply call 1-888-500-6266

.

2% over factory invoice on new Pontiacs and

GMC trucks and receive all applicable factory re-

6653, extension 6617 •

eludes special or group events...discount depends on time of year and room availability).

You must present your AOG membership card

AUTOMOBILE PURCHASE DISCOUNT:

world-wide support for some 29 chapters •

coordination and planning by your AOG.

Academy/AOG-unique items created espedally for members.

CHAPTERS: •

(for-

1 (800) 347-9002 and mention your AOG affiliation.

MERCHANDISE/MEMORABILIA:

DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS:

save 10-25% at the Radisson Inn North

unions. Call Garden of the Gods Travel Service at

•

ates. Accessible through the “Graduates”

•

merly Sheraton Inn North) just outside the Academy South Gate. Call (719) 598-5770 and

REUNION/HOMECOMINGS:

•AOG-mail forwarding system for gradulink on the AOG web main page.

year-round full-service travel program for va-

cation, business, special Academy events and re-

•your quarterly link to friends, classmates and the Academy.

Discount based on rack rates and

Rules Outlined for Graduate Golf Course Use Through the efforts of the Association of Graduates (AOG) and the Directorate of Development and Alumni Programs, the following procedures have been arranged for graduates wishing to play golf at the

Academy’s Eisenhower Golf Course.

Military members, active duty and retired, including Guard and Reserve, (i.e. any graduate with a military ID) must schedule their own tee times by calling (719) 333-3456, 72 hours in advance. These are the same reservation rules applicable to all active-duty personnel not stationed at the Academy and retirees. Green fees are $20. Reciprocal privileges are in effect for active-duty graduates who have annual memberships at other Air Force courses. Golf cart fees are $20.

Nonretired, Nonactive-Duty Graduate AOG members: The AOG is allocated eight tee times per month. Nonretired graduate AOG members who are no longer on active duty may play at these special times.

Tee times begin after 1000 hours. Graduates wishing to use these tee times must make reservations through John Rice at the AOG. He will contact the golf course to schedule your desired date and time. After confirmation of the tee time, he will notify you of the date and time. We emphasize that these graduates must go through the AOG office for reservations (719) 472-0300.

Graduates may schedule only one tee time per month to insure all eligible graduates have an opportunity to use one of the eight tee times.

If by the 25th of each month the eight tee times have not been reserved, a graduate who played earlier in the month may schedule a second tee time. Green fees for nonretired, nonactive-duty graduates are $50 and golf cart fees are $20.

Reunions and Homecoming: A tournament will be scheduled by the Academy and the AOG to accommodate graduates at a set fee for all players. The fee will be independent of military status or golf course membership.

Send your donation now to the AOG Annual Fund Association of Graduates Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840-4475 61

Sabre Society Continues Outstanding Growth The Sabre Society added close to 50 new members to its rolls in the

Mr Michael J. Flynn, Jr ‘95

past few months. The society was established by the AOG in 1995 as a

Mr and Mrs Michael Forge

select group of long-term benefactors who have a clear and tangible

Mr Ernest D. George

interest in supporting the Academy financially and through their per-

Mr and Mrs Steven D. Heinz ‘76

Col (Ret) Hugh E Gommel, Jr ‘66

sonal influence. The society is dedicated toward forming a national

Mr and Mrs Roderick E. Hennek ‘75

network of influential community leaders who act as informed advocates of Academy causes.

Mr and Mrs William W. Hogan, Jr ‘66

Lt Col Linda K. Huggler ‘83 Mr and Mrs Kent F. Johnson ‘80

The Sabre Society provides a visible and prestigious means of honor-

Col (Ret) and Mrs Richard L. Klass ‘62 Col (Ret) and Mrs James F. Lemon ‘64 Col (Ret) and Mrs Donald B. Livingston ‘59

ing and recognizing the Academy’s leading supporters. Donors are recognized as Members ($1,000 annually), Patrons ($2,500 annually), Benefactors ($5,000 annually), or Life Members ($50,000). If you are interested, please contact Gary Howe, Kathy McCann or Becky Hureau at the AOG, e-mail Development@aog-usafa.org.

New Sabre Society Members since the last magazine are:

Ms Elvia Lopez

Col (Ret) and Mrs Robert A. Lowe ‘71, Patron Mr and Mrs David H. Maguire Mrs Mari Marcom

Maj and Mrs Peter M. McCaffrey, ANG ‘83

Mr and Mrs James Anthony

Mr and Mrs Paul H. Meinhold ‘78

Ms Tanya Baker

Mr and Mrs Thopmas H. Morris ‘64, Patron

Mr and Mrs M C Tony Barnard, III ‘66

Dr Brian W. Nelson ‘69 and Ms Elizabeth O’Reilly

Lt Col (Ret) M J Bettencourt, Jr, USAF ’68

Mr Frederick K. Olafson ‘69

Dr and Mrs Fred C. Boli ‘65

Col (Ret) and Mrs Zygmunt Orzechowski ‘69 Mr and Mrs Phil L. Pearce ‘75

Col and Mrs Michael D. Bratlien, USAFR ‘74 Maj and Mrs Kevin Carreno ‘83, Benefactor Ms Carol Carver

Mr and Mrs Thomas M. Rentenbach, II ‘62 Mr and Mrs Gary R. Riester

Gen (Ret) Michael Dugan

Mr Hal E. Sauer ‘71

Dr and Mrs Donald J. Egan ‘62 Mr and Mrs Durward Fant Dr and Mrs Paul W. Farrell, II '69

Maj and Mrs Mark S. Sievers, USAFR ‘71 Mr and Mrs Paul Spangler Col (Ret) and Mrs Donald R. Spoon ‘64

Mr and Mrs Scott E. Ferguson ‘78

Lt Col and Mrs Thomas A. Stein, USAFR ‘70

Col (Ret) and Mrs John F. Swofford MGen (Ret) and Mrs Arnold R. Thomas, Jr ‘64 Lt Col (Ret) and Mrs Addison S. Thompson ‘61, Patron Mr and Mrs Kenneth J. Vargas-Charlesworth ‘73, Patron Mr and Mrs Steven Vorhies Mr and Mrs Charles P. Wood, Jr ‘65

Give a Gift of Free Money!

Double or Triple Your Gift for Free!

Give a Gift of Free Money!

Class Ring Display Donations Needed

Double or Triple your Gift for Free!

If you work for:

Class rings from the U.S. Air Force Academy represent all that the Academy stands for and form a unique, common bond among gradu-

Delta Airlines

American Express

Lockheed Martin

Boeing

ates of all classes. With the financial support of the Class of 1968, the

Coca Cola

USAA

Association of Graduates has established a class ring display on the sec-

Then you work for a matching gift company!

These companies, and thousands of others, will match your charitable donation

-

sometimes by $3 of company money for every $1 of

your money!

Does your employer have a matching gift program?

Contact your Human Resources or Personnel department. Pick up a matching gift form, complete your portion and send it to the AOG with your gift every time you make a contribution.

Many companies include retiree’s gifts in these programs. It’s an easy way to increase your giving level so that the AOG can give more to the Academy.

AOG Offers USAFA Class Ring Lost and Found Service If you have lost your class ring or found someone else’s, who are you going to call? The AOG has long been the focal point for trying to match lost rings with their owners.

We have several sources for maintaining up-to-date addresses and phone numbers on graduates (the primary source, of course, depends on the graduate keeping the AOG informed of changes).

When a ring is returned to the AOG we can usually have it back on the owner’s hand within a week or two (as soon as we can verify a shipping address).

If a ring needs to be replaced or serviced, we can link you to the ring company representative who handles your class. So, if you need to report a ring lost or found, or need to know who to call for ring repairs/replacement, please call or contact: DONNA PORTER at (719) 472-0300, DSN 333-2067,

e-mail to classring@aog-usafa.org, 3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

62

ond floor of Doolittle Hall. It is housed in a beautiful display case provided by that class on the occasion of their 25th reunion.

The display, when complete, will consist of one ring (actually worn by graduate) from each class. All people donating will be recognized for their donation, but no one will know whose ring is actually on display.

Selection will be based upon the condition of each ring donated. Besides a list of donors, long-term plans could include audiovisual or interactive computer presentations dealing with the heritage and tradition of the class ring, donor information and/or information on each class.

Several rings from each class will be maintained in reserve. Remaining rings will be melted down to form an ingot. As the rings for each new class are poured, a piece of this ingot will be included so that every cadet ring includes a piece of rings from all previous classes and represents an unbroken circle of heritage and tradition.

More than half of the classes are already represented. Donations are still being sought. Besides the heritage and tradition that you will help establish, your donation can serve to honor or memorialize a graduate as part of the donor listing. Of course, any donation is also fully tax deductible. If you or someone you know are interested in donating a ring, please contact Donna Porter or Rich Downing, ‘70, at (719)472-0300. a

HONOR A GRADUATE OR LOVED ONE! An unrestricted donation to the AOG is an excellent way to honor someone’s life, in life or death. Creating an endowment or scholarship

will provide perpetual remembrance.

For each honorary or memorial donation, the AOG will send an acknowledgement to the donor and a notice to the individual or nextof-kin that the gift has been made.

A donation to the Association of Graduates and the Academy is a fitting way to honor a friend or loved one while supporting the “extra margin of excellence” which keeps the Academy great.

For additional information, please contact Gary Howe or Chery Flores at (719) 472-0300 or e-mail to Gary.Howe or Chery.Flores @usafa.af.mil.

Z™.

L

ink yourself forever with both the tradition and the

future of the Air Force Academy by having your name

“engraved in stone” on a Pegasus Plaza granite paver.

A statue of Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology and a symbol of the Air Force Academy, stands in front of Doolittle Hall. The area around the base of Pegasus is paved with granite bricks inscribed with the names of Academy graduates, family members, and friends of the Academy. lacing a paver in the Pegasus Plaza provides a unique and lasting way to honor your cadet’s achievements and to continue the heritage and traditions of the Academy.

Many parents use pavers to recognize families, friends,

P

ISIT US ON THE

sponsors, and others who have contributed to their cadet’s outstanding accomplishments. Don’t miss this opportunity to

o;b at

link you and your cadet with the history, heritage, future, and

^ WW.AOG-USAFA.ORG

pride of our great school.

63

CHAPTER NEWS ARIZONA CHAPTER

eluded the Oval Office, NSC Situation Room, Roosevelt Room and Press Room. The White

Our thanks go to Jack, ‘68, and Kitty Frost for

hosting the Super Bowl Sunday on Jan. 28.

Thanks, also, to everyone who made this a fun and memorable evening.

Arizona Chapter nametags are now available

for members and spouses or significant others.

The cost of each badge is $10. Send e-mail to:

House art collection is also very impressive.

One standout is the original Washington Cross-

ing the Delaware, posted in the West Wing Reception Lobby. The tour is well worth your time if you live in D.C. For details on future dates contact Craig Rizzo,

mail addresses and phone numbers. The best

(and cheapest) way to spread the word on upcoming events is through e-mail. If you’d like to be added to our distro list please e-mail Craig Rizzo at the numbers listed above. We look for-

ward to a great 2001 in Washington D.C.!

HAMPTON ROADS

703-684-7184, craig.rizzo

@home.com.

CHAPTER

frankschmuck@ aogaz.intranets .com specify-

ing the name of the graduate, class year and spouse and/or significant other name. The Arizona Chapter thanks Frank Schmuck (‘88) for all his hard work regarding the nametag issues.

Make check payable to the Arizona Chapter of USAFA AOG and mail to Tim Furst (see Tim’s

information below).

The Arizona Chapter has established a secure Intranet as a way for graduates in Arizona to stay

connected. Joining the site is FREE and entitles you to a free e-mail account with forwarding, but more importantly you will receive electronic reminders to our events, meetings and social gatherings. We also have links to the AOG site and from time to time a few pictures from our get-togethers. If you are an AOG member who resides in Arizona, please join our intranet

www.aogaz.intranets.com and click the “Re-

-

quest an Invitation”. Thanks for all your support and we look forward to having you join us in Arizona via the Intranet.

The Honeywell Engines & Systems company

sponsored an all-services academy golf tournament at Falcon Dunes on April 13. Thanks to Mike Cryer, ‘68, for organizing the event.

Ed, ‘63, and Terry ReisdorfsAFA AOG spring party poduck was held on April 20. Ed and Terry supplied all of the liquor and soft drinks. Our thanks for their hospitality.

If you have recently moved to Arizona or have not received our mailings, please also contact Jim Sienicki, ‘74, jsienicki@swlaw.com at Snell & Wilmer to be added to the mailing list. If you have not paid your yearly chapter dues ($20/ year) for 2001, please send your check to Tim

How to Request Academy

Staff as Speakers In order for the Academy staff to provide

better assistance to AOG Chapters seeking

speakers from the Academy, please submit a letter

to HQ USAFA/XPAA, USAF Acad-

emy, Colo. 80840-5241, at least six months in advance, with the following information: What, when, where? Who on the

Academy staff would you like to have speak at your function? Also provide the names of two other speakers you would like to have if your first or second choice is

Greetings from the Capital Chapter! It’s been a slow winter, but we’re ramping up for the spring and summer. To recap, we continued our professional development activities in Novemher with a superb tour of the National Security Council. Col. Brooks Bash, executive aide to the National Security Advisor, guided us through

the White House West Wing.

64

Highlights in-

nd .

Golf Course on

POC is Col. (Ret) Robin Kozelka, ‘59

(rkozelka@rcn.com). The Spring Luncheon date is not firm but we will get the word out via the Internet in time for you to sign up.

Capt. Dan Hauck, ‘90 (daniel.hauck@langley .af.mil), is the new information officer of the

chapter and will maintain the Internet list of graduates in our area, so send him your address so

you can hear about our events.

He is also

process in the local area so if you have ideas on that score, please contact Colonel Young.

elude who will be in the audience (i.e., alurns, spouses,

parents’ clubs, LOs, etc.)

and what the occasion is for the event.

A point of contact for the event

(i.e., address, home and work phone numbers) is needed to make the appropri333-3832, DSN 333-3832, for initial inquiry but must back up your call with a letter re-

questing the speaker.

We have a number of other events planned

for the coming year

—

some have

pened as you read this.

already hapIn the spring we had

the annual CCAOG Golf Tournament (30 May

White House hasn’t set a date for the ceremony,

CAPITAL CHAPTER

start at Langley’s Eaglewood

June 22

ate arrangements. You can call XPA at (719)

particular interest of the group in any aspect of the Academy, and recommended speaker’s attire for the event. Please in-

your e-mail address to either Frank Schmuck or me, since we are compiling e-mail addresses,

number, so we can better serve you and cut down on some of our mailing expenses. (Jim Sienicki, ‘74, Arizona Chapter president)

and goals for the year. At press time the golf tournament is scheduled for a 1330 shotgun

name,

To aid speaker preparation, we will also

need to know the audience, along with any

Antietam Battlefield (12 May).

and telephone

board meeting in February to set the schedule

working on a web site for the chapter where you can log on to get info.

The Fall football trip to watch Air Force beat Navy is being led by Capt Kimberly Kadryna, ‘94 (kimberly.kadryna@langley.af.mil), and her committee will be working the details on the bus, game tickets, and tailgate party. A Winter luncheon is also planned so if you would like to help with it please contact Col. Terry Young, ‘75 (terry.young@langley.af.mil). The chapter is looking for ways to help the candidate selection

not available.

Furst, c/o Furst and Associates at 1505 East Missouri Avenue, Suite 100, Phoenix, Ariz.

85014, (480) 705-3845, e-mail: tfurst@learning edge.com. In addition, please e-mail or send

as well as your current address

The Hampton Roads Chapter held its annual

at Andrews AFB)

and a guided tour of the In June we’re

planning a luncheon to coincide with the Commander-In-Chief Trophy presentation. The but we predict sometime in June. As soon as we

have the details we’ll post them to our

Mrs. Marion Sakowitz, president of the local

Parents’ Club, is turning over the responsibility of that organization to LTC (Ret) Virginia Tonneson, ‘80. Marion has done a great job

starting the club and we thank her for her leadership and enthusiasm. We are also losing two of our key members this summer when Capts.

Ray Platt, ’92; and Eric Olson, ’90, PCS to the Colorado Springs area. Thanks for your companionship and hard work and good luck on your new assignments! (Robin Kozelka, ’59; and Terry Young, ‘75)

PUGET SOUND CHAPTER Well we survived the big earthquake in Seattle

website. We have another NSC tour tentatively

and the chapter is ready to shake, rattle, and roll

planned for July, and our biggest event of the year, the AF/Navy football game and tailgate on

with more activities this year. In February the

October 6 th

More details of these and other

Belden’s, ‘69. Once again a gathering of about

CCAOG happenings are posted on our website, http://users.erols.com/ccaog/.

And last, but certainly not least, the CCAOG staff congratulates our president on his recent th promotion. On March 16 2001, Duncan J. McNabb, ‘74, was promoted to the rank of major general. We know he’ll continue to do great things for the Air Force and the AOG. As always, this is also a plea for updated e

30 grads, spouses, and friends were treated to

.

,

annual “Dark Ages” bash was held at Richard

the culinary expertise of chefs Brian DeLuca,

’67; Joe Cavazzini, ‘82, and “Costco”. Lots of

good food, friends, and great stories were shared throughout the night.

Plenty of old and new faces were present which included the likes of Ben Apple, '97; Ron Talcott, ’66; Daucey and Pat Brewington, ’70; Eric Doremus, ’79; Jerry and Barb Callahan, ’66;

Bill and Connie Ellis, ’69; Art and Holly Kerr,

’61; Bill and Sherry Markham, ’68; and Curt Velasquez, ‘93, who’s doing a stint with the Navy

Chapter is helping the Academy prepare for the new era in Air Force space operations. Our members have also been sharing ideas and

I know I’ve missed some

concepts with each other about strengthen-

folks but I’ll have to catch you in the next ar-

ing the use of space for national security.

Following up on our chapter’s fall 2000 review

on

Whidbey Island.

tide. One of the evening’s highlights was when

‘69) and Linda

of the astronautics curriculum, we have contin-

Cavazzini were challenged by Richard Belden

ued working with the Astronautics Department

to revisit their cheerleading days.

Before long they each were doing the “splits” in Richard’s and kitchen. Oh the pain for those ladies

and other academic departments, as well as building ties to the Commandant’s programs.

One of the Astro Department’s projects,

Richard’s floor!

FalconSat II, will build and launch a small sat-

Candy

Hakeman

(Tom,

—

Once a month, a joint service academy job-

ellite. Some chapter members are supporting

networking breakfast is held in Seattle. The function is a good opportunity for grads who are looking for a new occupation to mix with other grads who have hiring authority. If you are interested, contact Daucey Brewington at

design reviews for this important cadet project.

425-888-2426 for more details.

rado Springs military space organizations, the

The chapter’s future activities include a Sea Fair

We continue to support several initiatives

check the web site (www.hometown.aol.com/

aimed at creating space-related exhibits for ca-

usafaspace/spacechapter.html) or contact Stan Rosen, ’69, at srosen6@aol.com (daytime phone 310-364-5746).

dets and the public. By working with the Pikes Peak Observatory and the leadership of Colo-

chapter is helping build a critical mass of supon the Academy grounds. Several members have also arranged for donation of space vehicle models for display

party in August and the annual Joint Services

port for space exhibits

Academy Dinner in the fall. Look out for mailers in the near future. Don’t forget to check out our web site at http://www.talon.com/ pugetsound/. If you’re interested in joining us please contact Brian DeLuca at 206-527-2218 or

in the cadet area.

ALAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and

Joe Cavazzini at 425-742-7630. We have mem-

Astronautics) group to prepare to commemo-

bers from as far away as Oregon and Eastern

rate the anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first flight and to publicize what the technology of flight (including space flight) has meant for U.S. national security.

Recently, the chapter has created a mentoring program for cadets and faculty members interested in space jobs or careers. Chapter members with extensive experience in AF space as

Washington, as well as the Puget Sound locals, so come on out and join us. (Joe Cavazzini, 82)

SPACE CHAPTER As the new administration’s priorities become use

clearer, the importance of the military

of space is being emphasized. The Space

We have begun to work with the Academy’s

Local AOG Chapters and Societies exist across

the world including the following locations: AZ

Phoenix

Arizona Chapter

CA

Los Angeles

Orange County Chapter San Diego County Chapter Northern California Chapter Rampart Chapter AF Academy Society of CO AF Academy Society of DC Capital Chapter Space Coast Chapter Northwest Florida Chapter Tampa Bay Chapter Atlanta Chapter Ramstein Chapter Indiana Chapter New England Chapter AF Academy Society of NC New Mexico Chapter Greater New York Chapter Mohawk Chapter Southwest Ohio Chapter Oregon Chapter Great Lakes Chapter North Texas Chapter San Jacinto Chapter Alamo Area Chapter Utah Chapter Hampton Roads Chapter Puget Sound Chapter Medical Chapter Space Chapter

San Diego San Francisco CO

Colorado Springs

DC

Washington Washington

Denver

FL

Patrick AFB Shalimar

Tampa GA

Atlanta

GE

Germany

IN

Carmel

MA

Hanscom AFB

NC NM

Raleigh Albuquerque New York City

NY

Rome OH

Dayton/Wright-Pat

OR

Portland Erie Dallas/Ft Worth

PA

TX

Houston

San Antonio UT

Salt Lake City

VA

Langley

WA

Seattle

WORLDWIDE WORLDWIDE

For the most current contact information for these organiza-

tions, please go to the AOG’s website at www.aog-usafa.org, click on “Graduates”on

the left side of the page, then click on “Chap-

ters and Societies.”

signments are available to answer questions and provide advice to interested cadets or faculty members.

Although the chapter’s communications and coordination are normally conducted via the Internet, in April we held our annual get-together (probably shouldn’t call it a “meeting”) in conjunction with the U.S. Space Foundation’s National Space Symposium, which was held in the Springs. It was a good turnout and a good opportunity to review our progress and plans.

Grads interested in learning more about these and other activities of the Space Chapter can

Support Your Local AOG Chapter/Society Do you want to know what is happening with graduates in your area? Are you interested in establishing ties with the local graduate community and with the Academy? In addition to social activities, many chapters/societies provide mentor services, job-search information, and business networking. Contact your local chapter/society for information on meetings and activities. See “Graduates” on the AOG web page for a complete listing: www.aog-usafa.org.

Life Membership Options Explained The AOG offers a life membership plan for graduates and associate members. This plan features rates based on the member’s age and the

following payment plans: Age at

Lump

Two

Last

Sum

Semiannual

Birthday

Payment

Under 30

$650.00 $625.00 $615.00 $595.00 $570.00 $535.00 $480.00 $400.00 $380.00 $350.00 $310.00 $270.00 $230.00

30 or older

35 or older 40 or older 45 or older 50 or older 55 or older 60 or older

65 or older 70 or older 75 or older 80 or older 85 or older *

Payments

*l-year monthly Payment

*2-year monthly Payment

$335.00 $330.00 $325.00 $315.00 $305.00 $285.00 $255.00 $215.00 $200.00 $180.00 $160.00 $140.00 $120.00

$56.00 $54.00 $53.00 $51.00 $49.00 $46.00 $41.00 $34.00 $33.00 $31.00 $27.00 $24.00 $20.00

$29.00 $28.00 $27.00 $26.00 $25.00 $24.00 $21.00 $18.00 $17.00 $16.00 $15.00 $13.00 $11.00

The monthly payment plan is allowed only if the AOG is autho-

rized to charge on a monthly basis to your AOG credit card or

through the coupon payment plan where the AOG is not required to accomplish monthly billing.

Information on graduate joint life membership (graduate married to graduate) and credit card and coupon payment options can be obtained from the AOG by e-mail at membership@aog-usafa.org or by writing Col. (Ret) Rich Downing, ‘70, Vice President, Services; Association of Graduates; 3116 Academy Drive, U.S. Air Force Academy CO 80840-4475. Membership forms are available from the AOG or on-line at www.aog-usafa.org.

Support Your Academy!

Donate Now to the AOG Annual Fund.

65

I00M

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

00

Richard Leroy Arnold III, ‘63

John Nicholas Goutas, ‘63

We were deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Roy Arnold

group learn that “John” was not a golfer; he was a hitchhiker Roy had picked up in L.A. who needed a ride a litde further up the road.

Oct. 15, 2000. Roy had been valiantly battling non-Hodgkins Lymphoma for over a year before losing the only fight he ever lost.

On June 26, 1959 this handsome, intelligent and yes, cocky Texan reported to USAFA. Always proud to say he was from Texas and having completed one year at Texas A&M, he was determined not to be intimidated by the Academy “system”, upperclassmen or for that matter anyone or anything. As always, he was true to his word. Although a fierce competitor on USAFA’s intercollegiate golf team, intramural boxing and rugby, Roy was definitely laid back but always full of confidence.

If you were his friend he would make you feel like family. Roy was a true individual, generous with his time for others, and could always be counted upon for honest advice, philosophical conversation or to be the prime mover of a party.

An excellent dresser to include a French Beret coupled with his sporty MG, someone gave Roy the nickname, “Dapper” and the name proved worthy. The Dapper’s car could be found at watering holes like the Kachina Lounge and the Golden Bee or even some less classy bars no matter, Roy would always find a friend or make a new acquaintance.

After graduation from the Academy he joined many of his Second Squadron mates at Craig AFB in Selma, Ala. for pilot training. No surprise, Roy helped make Selma a party town and still managed to graduate high in his class.

After graduation, Roy served four years as a C-124 pilot at McCord AFB in Tacoma and Hickam AFB in Honolulu. Roy was a fine officer and an exceptional pilot. He successfully flew thousands of hours in “old shaky” throughout the Pacific including 30 trips into South Vietnam. He particularly liked flying into Tan Son Nhut AB in Saigon where he would get together with his older brother who was stationed there and meet for coffee. His parting remark was always, “Well, it’s time to fly back to Honolulu and collect my combat pay.” Roy also had other interests. While on

-

-

at Hickam, he lived in a condominium at the Ilikai Hotel on the beach

and perfected surfing the waves and the Waikiki nightspots. He brought his near-scratch handicap to bear on the island’s golf courses, bought an interest in a light plane and became an active skydiver.

Roy left the Air Force in 1968 and flew for Braniff Airlines and served in the Air Force Reserve flying AT-37s. In 1972 Roy joined Federal Express and took his family to Memphis. He was a senior captain with FedEx for many years and a devoted ball striker and raconteur at the Olive Branch Country Club. He retired from FedEx on Sept. 14, 2001 after 28 distin-

guished years with a flawless record and numerous commendations.

Roy Arnold was an original. He was an independent thinker and a straight-talking man who was unfettered by any need to conform or ingradate. His subde wit and spontaneous style were a source of pleasure and wonder to his comrades. Roy was at once somewhat resistant to the dictates of military life, particularly the cadet variety, and conscientiously adherent to the highest ideals of military officership. With Roy, there was no artifice or BS

he was a natural; his observations were droll, perceptive and novel. He was unpretentious and receptive to people from -

all walks of life. One year, Roy showed up early for an annual golf tournament, started by fellow members of the Academy golf team, with an unknown person in tow. Only upon departure for the course did the

66

Roy was a unique man of great vigor, intelligence and integrity. He by his family and his many friends. In a final conversation just weeks before his passing, Roy mentioned looking forward to buying a home in Dallas where he was planning to live with and care for “Mother and Daddy”. He is survived by his beautiful daughter Laura, his parents, Bob and Joy Arnold; his brothers, Jim and Dan; and his ex-wife and good friend, Judy. He will be long remembered with great sadness at his passing yet with happiness from recollection of his unusual and endearing presence. Roy Arnold is buried at the Memphis Memory Gardens next to his dearest friend his son. Farewell Roy, you were one of a kind. “Lord! Have mercy on such as we, Baa! Baa! Baa!” (From The Whiffenpoof Song one of Roy’s favorite harmonizing songs we sang at many a gathering). (Laura, Judy and Jim was loved and admired

-

—

Arnold; Jack Shuck and Dick Shutack, ‘63) John Nicholas Goutas, ‘63

John Nicholas Goutas grew up in the small Vermont village of Bellows Falls. He was a hometown star in both football and basketball. The craggy

hills, green valleys, seasons, in church, family and friends shaped the kind of man he was to become. He was truly the All-American boy: good

grades, good looks, good friends and good times. At the age of 15 he was chosen as first-team fullback for the All State football team.

Those were wonderful years for his family. As his sister, I worshipped him. He was always surrounded by the best looking girls, the hottest cars, and the biggest “jocks” in town, and on Sundays he was the handsomest altar boy in church. When John was 17, he left home to attend Tufts University and that year received his appointment to the Air Force

Academy from the great Vermont Senator, George Aiken. When John left that fall I didn’t realize, nor did my family, that we would forever after share him with his new family, the Air Force.

It was hard for such a young man, so close to home and family to be away that first year, and we all pined away for him. John persevered and over the next four years was shaped and molded into a true “officer and a gentleman”. When we attended his graduation, and heard John Kennedy speak, there was no prouder family than ours. For all intents and purposes, John never really ever returned home again to stay. He was assigned all over the country from Laredo to Minot. It was always a mysterious job he had.

At the height of the Cold War, John was in the thick of things. I remember one time he told me he was in a certain place, and later admitted that he had lied to me. He was caught in some distant air space illegally and escaped by the skin of his teeth. Vietnam came and went and the family held their breath. The funny thing about John was that he rarely shared his military life with us. I think he didn’t want to worry my mom and dad, and he was a humble man, rarely sharing his awards, medals, or honors with family. When he came home he was just John, anxious to be out of his uniform and to get down to the Legion for a hot game of poker.

John left the Air Force in 1970 with his sights set on a career with some prominent airline. That dream never materialized and John found him-

Force, to his country of which he was so proud, and to his friends and

family, of which he was even more proud.

Butch was always a dedicated and patriotic individual and he served his country well. His dad had flown for SAC in WWII and Butch did the same over Vietnam. He flew multiple missions during the war years, but the ones I remember best were the Young Tiger refueling missions

out of Kadena Air Base where I was stationed with my family. From time to time, I’d come home from “a day at the office” and there would

be Butch, TDY from Beale again, playing with my two young sons on

the floor, as much a part of the family as anyone could possibly be.

Regardless of how many missions he flew or how many “saves” he made, Butch was always a family man above all else, a strong father figure to his boys, and a dependable big brother to the rest of us, always steady, always even-tempered, never panicked.

James L. Curd, Jr., ‘64 self separated from his beloved Air Force and floundering for a future.

It was a difficult, humiliating time for him, but once again he

seldom shared his problems and heartache and, pulling himself up

by his bootstraps, he eventually rejoined the Air Force Reserve.

John never married but lived the life of the stereotypical “flyboy”. He loved people and he loved life and he lived every minute to the fullest.

He was every man's friend and every woman’s dream, and yet he was

humble and honest, and full of compassion. After my dad died John took over the role of the “man in the family”. He became very frustrated with all of us when we didn’t “follow orders”, but we did love him so.

Aside from family, John’s second love after the Air Force was Las Vegas. He loved the excitement, and nighdife, and the gambling that was such a part of his military life. When he wasn’t risking his life on some

mission, he was risking his money at the blackjack tables.

I’m sure there are many people out there who have a story or an anecdote about John. I never knew him as a military man, I knew him as my brother, but I can only imagine some of the “adventures” he had.

I’ve never talked to anyone who knew him who didn’t have a good thing to say about him. He was a special human being. For the last few years he was devoted to watching over our mother and would spend many

My brother Ed, sister Dot, brother-in-law Bub, Although he had been gone for so many years he had finally come home. And our lives have a void in them that will never be filled. John was his family’s “golden child”, dearly loved, now dearly missed and finally home to stay.

I am including his military assignments, honors, medals and information. Some of these awards we never knew about. He just never bothered to tell us. But we want to share them with our pride and love.

Colonel Goutas received pilot training at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas, graduating in October 1964 and was assigned to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., flying B-52H aircraft. During the Vietnam Conflict John flew numerous bombing missions in South Vietnam and Laos. In June of 1968 he accepted an assignment to Ramey Air Force Base, Puerto Rico. He left active duty in 1970.

In 1971 he joined the Air Force Reserve Squadron at Westover Air Force hours in her kitchen.

and my mother and I miss him terribly.

Base in Massachusetts. In March 1972 he transferred to the 514

ciate Reserve Wing at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.

th

Asso-

In May 1978, he

became an Air Reserve Technician Instructor Pilot with the 730 th Mili-

tary Airlift Wing, Norton Air Force Base, Calif. In September 1984 he became permanent Operations Officer. John had more than 25 years of flying experience and 8,850 flying hours in multi-engine jet aircraft.

His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service

Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force

Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, and the Combat Readiness Medal with three oak leaf clusters, among others.

His military affiliations include a lifetime membership in the Reserve

Officer Association and membership in the Air Force Association, the Order of Daedalians, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces Alumni Organization.

(Cathy Bergmann, John’s sister) James L. Curd, Jr., ‘64

Last September brought the end of the Twentieth Century’s final

For about two years at Kadena, whenever he was TDY there, Jim and I used to play handball at the base gym. Afterwards, we’d have to re-

place our essential bodily fluids at the club. At these times we always talked about our families and responsibilities, our classmates, and American society in general. He had an unusually keen sense of how important families were in the bigger scheme of life, both our nuclear families and our extended families. He had a strong belief about how the good things came to people because they did their duty to their

families, and that this in turn was their part of the bigger responsibilities for society. Being an officer and a gentleman was more than just a

phrase to Butch. He believed that the officer part was the set of responsibilities we had and that being a gentleman meant that you lived up to those responsibilities, not with a bunch of fanfare and celebration to your credit, but logically and quietly and as a matter of fact.

He was proud of our class, he said once, because the simple timing of our graduation coupled with the war had forced us to stand up and confront our duty. ‘Yep,” he said, “and we stood up to it pretty darn tall.” He used to smile at you when he said something like that, not a broad, toothy, laughing smile, but a sly, knowing, closed lip smile, with his eyes shining at you like he was holding the punch line in, knowing that at any second you’re gonna get it and you’ll agree with him, and he was right.

Years later, when we had both left our military careers behind us, I’d come home to my Southern California house, first in Huntington Beach, then later in San Diego, and there would be Butch again, TDY from

One Cadet Dead, Two Seriously Injured in Accidents during Spring Break

By John Van Winkle Academy Spirit staff

Flags went half-staff at the Academy on Monday, April 2nd, in memory of a thirdclassman killed during spring break.

An automobile accident claimed the life of C3C Dan Murphy on the

morning of April 1st. Murphy and C3C Robert Putney, both of Cadet Squadron 8, were south of Goodnight, Texas, returning from Houston in Murphy’s 1998 Chevy pickup truck at the time of the accident.

Putney, the driver, was traveling at a high rate of speed, and strayed into the center median, according to the initial accident report. He overcorrected to the right, causing the vehicle to slide sideways and roll over several times.

Murphy had to be extracted from the overturned vehicle, but was later pronounced dead on the scene, said Tela Mange, spokeswoman for the Texas State Highway Patrol.

Putney was admitted to Northwest

Texas Hospital in Amarillo for head trauma, and was released later that

day. Both cadets were wearing their seatbelts.

In a separate incident, another cadet was hospitalized during the Spring Break holiday. C3C Michael DiMaria, Cadet Squadron 2, was injured in a March 28 skiing accident near Vancouver, British Columbia.

DiMaria suffered severe head trauma and went into a coma as a re-

suit of the accident. He was admitted to Vancouver General Hospital’s intensive care unit on March 28, and was in critical and unstable con-

dition at that point. The Air Force then arranged to have DiMaria’s

summer, the arrival of its final autumn and the loss of one of our finest

mother flown from Montana to Vancouver to be at her son’s side.

officers and gentlemen. Jim Curd passed away on Sept. 18, 2000 from a form of small cell cancer that he had defeated once before and had

condition a week after the accident, according to Tara Wilson, hospital

quietly battled for going on three years.

A second generation Air Force pilot, Butch, as many of his friends and relatives called him, was a genuine credit to the Academy, to the Air

spokeswoman.

A cadets-only taps vigil was held on the evening of April 5 in remembrance of Daniel Murphy. (See page 27 for story on the vigil.)

DiMaria’s condition has since improved and he was listed in stable

67

Steven E. Smith, ‘80

BretA. Hyde, ‘81

New Jersey, compliments of one airline or the other, playing catch

confidence that let you know that here was a man you could trust, that

They were blessed with three precious children, Megan, Adam, and Mallory. He was a loving husband and father who enjoyed building things with his son or listening to his daughter play the piano. He liked to take them hiking in the beautiful Sandia Mountains near their home in Albuquerque.

He also shared his love of swimming with them, and was known by kids in the neighborhood for being the best “under-water launcher” around! Steve was quick with a smile, a tease, or a hug and it was obvious his children were the joys of his life. We laughed as the years passed because instead of talking about new gadgets on airplanes, we’d com-

you could fully depend on. Some guys said he was more mature than the rest of us. Butch would’ve said, “Nahh.” But I think maybe he was.

pare the newest innovations on our mini vans!

True to his character, Steve downplayed the seriousness of his illness.

There are huge aspects of Butch’s life and personality that are totally over-

Instead, he concerned himself with others and tried to make their lives easier. Although he had not flown for a few months, there he was help-

with my kids or planning dinner with my wife, still and always, part of the family, and smiling. He smiled that same knowing smile all his life.

From his days as our cadet squadron commander, through the war

years and the years that followed with Eastern and United Airlines, he was always the steady, dependable guy that you wanted someone to be who was sitting in the cockpit of your airplane. The crooked smile, the eyes still squinting from the bright sun aloft... all that was there, but what counted a lot more, that Butch had, was the comfortable, easy-going

looked in a small tribute like this. For example, he was always joking and was so much

fun, at times he was a running wit machine, with one funny

remark after another. And yet when you read about him like this, it sounds all so serious. The serious facts are that he was very proud of Karen and the boys, and his family and friends were very important to him.

When Butch was first diagnosed with cancer three years ago, doctors gave him three to six months to live. As this word spread, classmates called to lend their support. When Butch got on the phone he was always positive, cheerful without exception, and supportive... he was

ing another pilot who was having trouble with a systems class at Delta.

He uncovered old notes and made sure his friend was well prepared for his next test.

In the end the things that mattered most to Steve were readily apparent.

He was devoted to his God, his wife and children, and his family

and friends. He was fortunate to be surrounded by Cathy and his parents, Joe and Esther Smith, throughout his fight. He provided them with lasting memories of a strong and faithful husband, and an extraor-

supportive to us, in our concerns, when he was the man with the cancer. As another classmate said, "The doctors obviously didn’t know the fiber of the man.” He was right, they didn’t, but those of us who did

who called him their friend. Steve made a difference and he will be

know him knew also that we were blessed and fortunate to have spent

missed. (Bob Sajevic, ’80)

dinary and talented son. If you’re lucky, you have a friendship that survives over time and distance. I am lucky, as are the hundreds of people

the time with him that we did.

BretA. Hyde, ‘81

In parting, Jim is survived by Karen, his loving wife of 36 years, his two sons, Jim and Tyler, of whom he was very proud, and his large, extended

Snow floated gently downward on the darkly-clad cluster of friends

family of friends and classmates who will all miss him, very much. He truly an officer and a gendeman. (Duke Nauton, Class of ’64)

and family assembled tighdy near a lone grave in Evergreen Cemetery located on the edge of Post Falls, Idaho. A single, baritone voice sounded

was

Steven E. Smith, ‘80 Lt. Col. (ANG) Steve Smith passed away Dec. 12, 2000 in Albuquer-

que, N.M. after a hard fought battle with non-Hodgkin’s type lymphoma. He touched the lives and made a difference to so many people

during his 42 years and he will be deeply missed.

Steve made the most of his cadet years by participating and excelling at nearly everything he tried. He played varsity water polo and swam for four years at the Academy and also sang in the Chapel Choir. He completed a double major in economics and operations research, yet had time to spend listening to music or playing endless games of backgammon.

Steve exhibited a great sense of humor and dry wit, but truly loved a lively debate, which he could win on persistence and stubbornness alone!

He was an integral member of the Horny 18th Squadron and a founding member of Plato’s. His appetite was legendary as he supplemented the Academy diet with pancake after pancake at Wade’s in downtown Colorado Springs. Steve was a distinguished graduate of 1980.

Fulfilling his lifelong dream, Steve completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams AFB, Ariz. and was the “Top Stick” in his class. He earned an F-15 assignment to Bitburg, Germany and then was selected to be an aggressor pilot at Nellis AFB. In 1988, Steve was hired to fly for Delta Air Lines and in 1990 he joined the New Mexico Air National Guard, flying the A-7 and F-16. He had just been chosen as the squadron’s operations officer days before being diagnosed with cancer and to a person, his squadron mates described Steve the way we remember him a man of integrity, a leader, and a friend.

On June 2,1984, Steve married his friend and soul mate, Cathy Wolff.

—

through the quiet, solemn crowd explaining the meaning of each fold made by the Fairchild AFB, Honor Guard as they folded the precious crimson, blue and white flag with gentleness and precision. Major (Retired) Bryan Kelchner, ‘81, paused as the honor guard completed the final fold and tucked the edge of the flag to produce the final triangular form of the flag which once raced freely and openly in the wind, very much like the deceased had raced around the track.

Following a close inspection, the honor guard handed the precious flag to Lt. Col. John Evans, ‘80, who walked sofdy along the snow-covered graveyard and presented the flag “On behalf of the USAF and the United States of America” to the new widow. Standing on either side of Susan Hyde were her two sons, Paul and Seth, both already taller than her, although only 13 and 15 years old. Following the exchange, the pastor asked everyone to read aloud and together the scripture verse selected by our deceased friend, Lt. Col. (Retired) Bret Hyde, ‘81.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day...” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

With heads bowed in prayer, a sharp volley of gunfire pierced the dead white silence and echoed across the valley, quickly followed by another volley, and another. The echoes fell away slowly in the distance.

Seconds later, “Pree-sent Arms!” sounded through the trees

and over the serene white-blanketed mountain country, as the sound

of a lone trumpet rose out of the fading echoes of the twenty-onegun salute. A second trumpet, played by Lt. Col. Don Chapman, ‘81, emerged from across the cemetery grounds rhythmically echoing the lead trumpet.

With the final note of TAPS fading with the falling snow the crowd paid their last personal respects to Bret with prayers and flowers, and slowly departed the cemetery.

Earlier in the day during the memorial service, Bret’s Olympic Coach Bob Schule, and his lifelong friend Rob Langstaff, ‘84, tearfully recalled our memories of Bret, as a

friend, father, husband, son, and runner. Bret

ran his final race over the last two and a half years

battling Amyotrophic

Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) to the end with the spirit of joy and determination that swallowed up all those around him.

Bret Hyde passed away quietly in his home in Post Falls Idaho, on

Sunday, Jan. 14,2001, with his wife and two sons present. He was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) in August 1998, while serving on active duty at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. He was medically retired from the USAF in March 1999, and returned to Post Falls, Idaho

Justin Brian Sanders, ’96

to be close to his Mother (Ma Hyde) and Father (Raw Hyde), and his

Captain Justin Brian Sanders, Class of 1996, Squadron 37, died Feb.

three sisters and their families.

Everyone who knew Bret will never forget the three U.S. Olympic trials he raced in the 3000m Steeple Chase, not to mention the numerous in-

21, 2001 in a Navy aircraft accident off the coast of Florida at the age of 26. Captain Sanders was born May 24, 1974 in Oklahoma City, Okla., the son of O.M. “Bud” Sanders and the late Judy Sanders. He was a

ternational and national cross country, road, and track races he won.

Our minds are singed with the memory of his long lanky physique, pow-

tive in wrestling, football, and show choir.

erfully, and effortlessly running over miles and miles of grueling courses around the world, from Idaho to Tunisia.

Fellow USAFA Cross Country teammates will never forget Bret’s raw

distinguished graduate from Jenks High School in 1992. Justin was acJustin entered undergraduate pilot training in February 1997 at Vance AFB, Okla. after working as a casual officer for the USAFA military personnel flight. He graduated from pilot training on Feb. 20, 1998 with

talent, which frustrated us all as he would return from a summer leave of tennis and no running, and quickly decimate us in races after we spent

Vance AFB.

the entire summer training. Of course he would beat us without gloating, but with always an encouraging word, and a twinkle of joy in his eye.

33 rd FTS where he continued to work as a line IR

Fellow USAFA squadron mates will never forget Bret’s efforts to help each and everyone in the squadron pass the 1.5 mile run, as he would

pace each group of four or five runners through the run, sometimes running backwards to speak encouragement to the runners. He would re-

peat this feat with every group until all 100-plus members of the squadron

completed the 1.5-mile run.

We all have fervent memories of Bret as a runner, as the USAF Athlete

of the Year in 1988, and as the Olympian. But none will forget his greatest gift to us all, his compassionate, helpful, joyful heart. He was a man of courage and strength not known for anger or frustration, but only calm resolve. “In his career he beat many athletes because of his determination and because he was able to get the most out of his body,”

Class 98-05 as a first assignment instructor pilot in the T-37 assigned to th He started his career as a line instructor pilot in the 8 and was hand selected to help stand up the Squadron Flying Training After two years of

being a line IP, Justin was selected to become the assistant flight comrd mander of Standard Evaluation for the 33 FTS. After three years of service, Justin was scheduled to begin training in October 2001 in the

F-15C Eagle.

Justin married Carrie Lynn Carter on Sept. 12, 1998 in Tulsa at First Baptist Church where he was an active member.

Justin’s life was one that most people envy. From the time he was a young boy, Justin knew he wanted to fly jets. As a high school student he earned his private pilot’s license and loved flying his parents around Tulsa. After watching the Air Force Academy compete in a wresding tournament in Oklahoma, Justin decided he would attend the Air Force

Academy. After four long years at the Zoo, Justin became a pilot

—

his

recalls Bret’s Olympic coach Bob Shul. “And through it all, Bret never said, ‘What if.’ What if I had more speed. He accepted what he had and would tell me after loosing a race, ‘I really tried.’ There was never any

ultimate dream.

Everyone who knew Justin believed he could become anything he wanted. He was committed to his tasks and would not take “No” for an

doubt in my mind that was the case. I never saw him give up. He never gloated over a victory or dismayed over a defeat. He understood that

answer.

all he could do was his best.”

Those who visited Bret in the last two years of his life will remember this same determination and courage as the disease ravaged all the muscles from his body. Routinely Bret would “do intervals” as he called it with a smile and twinkle in his eye.

Everyday Bret would clutch the

ends of the table with his hands, stand up from his wheelchair with the

help of his wife, and proceed to run laps for two minutes, laboriously doing his best to lift each foot off the floor.

To the end of his life, Bret raced courageously. His closest friend from childhood and throughout the Academy, Rob Langstaff, ‘84, summarized all of our thoughts in the poem that he read during the memorial service.

He was the ultimate underdog. Justin loved to tell stories; and many are legendary. His infectious laugh and free spirit helped him to be a selfless friend to many. Above all, Justin lived a life of integrity, was a

loving and devoted husband and loyal son.

We thank Justin’s wife, Carrie; his father Bud; and his sister Greta for sharing him with us. Justin was laid to rest at the USAFA cemetery with

full military honors that included a fly-by of F-15Cs. Justin’s friends and family find solace in the fact that he has been reunited with his mother as they fly together through the skies for eter-

nity.

A memorial fund has been established in memory of Judy and Justin Sanders. Make checks payable to Jenks High School and send to Judy and Justin Sanders Memorial Fund, 205 E. B Street. Jenks Okla. 74037.

(Melissa L. Bryant, Class of1996)

What a person to admire A man whose strength ofcharacter and integrity were at a level to which we all

aspire His love for his fellow man was great indeed Always willing to help those in need And he had a competitiveness that kept him winning Coupled with a sense of humor that kept him grinning And brave he stood, staring death in the face Preparing himselffor that final race But even with his body withering thin The disease could not take away, that twinkle, that grin I loved you Bret; you were a great friend And I know that this is not the end As the music of your life on earth plays out its final cord We have peace in knowing that you are now with the Lord But we will miss you Bret; we will miss you very much.

(Bryan L. Kelchner, Class of 1981)

At press time we had learned of the deaths of the following graduates:

Mr. George H. Branch III, Class of 1964, who died on Jan. 25, 2001

in Orlando, Fla. of cancer.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Robert M. Evans, Jr., Class of 1966, who died on Feb. 14, 2000 in Ashton, Md. of cancer.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these graduates.

For more current information about

graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.aog-usafa.org 69

The Secret Life of Waldo F. Dumbsquat

By Don Hall,‘76 A bit of drool leaked from the left corner of C/4C

“Listen to us... we’re losing our minds!”

The bleacher bench began to press menacingly into the doolies’ thin"

flesh.

No amount of shifting around could alleviate the discomfort.

Waldo F. Dumbsquat’s mouth. As the sun warmed

The firsties unconscious in the folding chairs on the football field fared

the part of his face that wasn’t shielded by the brim

no

of his wheel cap, a soft snore escaped Waldo’s limp

torture. The Cadet Wing teetered upon the brink of stagnant hypoxia!

body. Though asleep, the doolie was faintly aware of the high collar of his parade dress tunic as it cut uncomfortably into his neck. Beads of sweat trickled down his legs and into his low quarter shoes.

The wind was still today in the stands at Falcon stadium and the graduation ceremony dragged on

Regs looked out across the sea of helpless, sunburned faces.

“Someone has to do something!” he cried out.

Moved by the emotion his helpless friend expressed and the need to keep this column short, Waldo sprang into action. Ducking into a closed concession stand, the freshman spoke the magic words “cell phones for doolies”. Instantly, he transformed into the hulky and heroic Colonel Waldo F. Dumbsquat... a man who had never been to the Orange Bowl. With large strides, the officer strode to the Press Box and com-

in its inexorable way. A disembodied voice droned

monotonously from the loudspeaker system.

“Hey, Waldo, wake up!” urged the freshman’s friend and roommate, “Regs” Buch.

‘Yes sir, I have a Form 10 right here!” mumbled

better.

SERE and the one-legged stool could not compare to this

mandeered the PA system.

‘Wing atten-hut!” boomed the colonel’s voice throughout the stadium.

“No Form 10 needed here. We’re already being punished.” noted Regs.

“Gentlemen, you are dismissed!”

While hats soared into the air and the Thunderbirds (now min fuel)

“The guest speaker has decided to depart from his prepared notes.

roared majestically overhead, the colonel magically morphed back into

Could be hours.”

the puny shape of Waldo. Confused dignitaries left the stage.

Waldo groggily.

“Did you say hours?”

“Might eclipse halftime at the Orange Bowl.”

‘Wow! That long!”

“At least the Orange Bowl has a rock band and fireworks.”

“And a football game...”

As Waldo made his way to the bus convoy, he realized that another class had successfully graduated and he, the perpetual doolie, had to

get ready for BCT again! It really was an infinite number of days until his graduation.

Waldo sighed. ^

‘We’ve got a football field.”

2001 REUNION CONTACTS

AOG MAJOR EVENTS SCHEDULE As of November 15, 2000 2001

May 27

30

Doolittle Hall Open House Graduation

June 28

Inprocessing

-

Class of 2005, Parents Lunch

July 12-13

12 13 14

(A/O 1 June 2001) ‘61 (40th) 12-16 SEP 01-Utah

‘76 (25th) 31 Oct-4 Nov 01-Army

Dr Tom Eller

Lt Col Dan Beatty

1504 N Nevada Ave

12196 Stanley Canyon Rd

Colorado Springs CO 80907

Colorado Springs CO 80921

Ph: 719-632-2259 (H)

Ph: 554-6160 (W)

303-796-4042 (W)

488-1962 (H)

SABRE Society Golf AOG Board Training AOG Board Training and Committee Meetings AOG Board Meetings

E-mail: eller@compuserve.com (H) E-mail:djbeattyjr@aol.com (H)

Fall Classes Begin SACC Seattle, Wash.

Parents’ Weekend

‘66 (35th) 26-30 Sep 01 SDSU awav

teller@usa.capgemini.com (W) Hotel: Wyndham 800-962-6982 or

whrlybrd76@aol.com (H) or (W) daniel.beatty@peterson.af.mil

719-260-1800

Hotel: Antlers Adam’s Mark

August 9

23-25 31

-

September 1-3 1 2 8 12-16 15 26-30 29

Parents’ Weekend Oklahoma at USAFA Doolittle Hall Open House Tenessee Tech at USAFA ‘61 Reunion (Wyndham) Utah at USAFA ‘66 Reunion (Wyndham) USAFA at San Diego State University

October

POC: Col Vic Andrews 8215 Broughton Ct

Ph: 719-592-1546 (H) E-mail: vicandsue@aol.com, (H)

victor.andrews@usaa.com (W) Hotel: Wyndham 800-962-6982 or 719-260-1800

Army

10-14

Homecoming

POC:Col Harry Davis, 711080

10-14 10-14 13 20 27 31 31

‘81 Reunion (Embassy Suites) ‘91 Reunion (Sheraton) Wyoming at USAFA

6650 Alberta Drive

Colorado Springs CO 80918 Ph: 719-266-0804 (H) 719-333-2250 (W)

E-mail: no Home email

harry.davis@usafa.af.mil (W) Hotel: Wyndham 800-962-6982

-

or

719-260-1800

Wyoming

-

Colorado Springs CO 80920-5901 Ph: 719-534-9836 (H) E-mail: santee@macol.net (H) Hotel: Embassy Suites 719-599-9100

-

USAFA at Navy

USAFA at Brigham Young USAFA at New Mexico

81 (20th) 10-14 Oct 01

POC: Col Jay Santee, 813585 2767 Lear Dr

719-553-8107 (W)

6

‘71 Reunion (Wyndham) ‘76 Reunion (Antlers) November 1-3 SACC Dallas 1-4 ‘71 Reunion (Wyndham) 1-4 ‘76 Reunion (Antlers) 3 Army at USAFA USAFA at CSU 8 16 AOG Board Meeting 17 UNLV at USAFA 24 USAFA at Hawaii

70

‘

Colorado Springs CO 80920

‘71 (30th) 31 Oct-4NovOl

800-444-ADAM or 719-473-5600

‘91 (10th) 10-14 Oct 01

-

Wyoming

POC: Capt Carson Tavenner 4414C Bighorn Dr USAF Academy CO 80840

E-mail:carson.tavenner

@usafa.af.mil (W) Website: www.usafa.91.com Hotel: Sheraton Colorado Springs 719-576-5900

Send your donation now to The AOG Annual Fund Association of Graduates Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840-4475

AOG Humanitarian Fund

Standing Nominating Committee to Identify AOG Board Candidates

Helps Terminally Ill Grads

By Mark Anderson, ’61

The AOG Board of Directors has established a Humanitarian Fund for Terminally-ill Members to provide financial assistance to eligible

members who need help with the financial challenges of a terminal illness such as Lou Gehrig’s disease, cancer and heart disease.

Here are the pertinent points: -

How to make a request: Send a written request with pertinent in-

formation on the nature of the illness, assistance needed, and who the AOG can contact for further details to The Humanitarian Fund, Association of Graduates, 3116 Academy Drive, USAFA, Colo. 808404475.

How to contribute: Make your tax-deductible contribution to The AOG Humanitarian Fund at the address above.

-

It is hoped that this effort to serve our graduates (taking care of our

own) will be well received (and well supported). We’ll keep you posted on progress.

Your Humanitarian Fund committee members are:

Larry Freeman: 16422 Ledge Way, San Antonio, TX 78232, (H) 210494-4827, (O) 210-494-7803, Fax 210-494-0133, lbfinc @sprintmail.com, fsw@juno.com.

Vic Andrews: 8215 Broughton Court, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, (H) 719-592-1546, (O) 719-533-8107, Fax 719-533-8447,

The current bylaws of the Association of Graduates (AOG) contain provisions for the manner in which candidates for elected director positions are identified, evaluated and nominated.

Of primary interest in the procedures is the establishment of a standing, vis-a-vis an ad hoc, nominating committee of the board.

This committee will have the responsibility for identifying, researching, interviewing, evaluating and recommending to the board candidates for future board membership.

In essence, the nominating committee will maintain a continuing list of potential nominees from which it may select candidates to meet the board’s requirements for service over a particular term of office. Individual candidates will be constantly evaluated regarding their qualifications, ability and desire to serve.

This and future issues of Checkpoints will carry the names of members of the nominating committee and information on how each can be reached. Interested AOG members may contact one of the committee members to indicate their desire to serve as a director.

An indication of interest, however, will not necessarily result in placement on the list of qualified candidates. The needs of the association will take precedence at all times.

Directors Nominating Committee

victor.andrews@usaa.com.

Mark Anderson: 8852 Rolling Acres Trail, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015,

(H) 830-981-8341, Fax 830-981-8341, marcus@texas.net.

(Contact one of the following to show interest in becoming a candidate for the AOG Board Directors.)

Academies Offer Joint

Mr William W. Maywhort, ‘68, Chair

Resume Database System

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

6851 E. Powers Ave. Home: (303) 773-6307

As a benefit of membership, your AOG offers a FREE resume registra-

tion service. We have joined forces with the alumni associations of the

Military Academy, the Naval Academy and the Coast Guard Academy to jointly provide online access to resumes of service academy graduates to prospective employers.

To be a part of the Joint Service Academies Resume Database Systern (JSARDS), visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org, click on “graduate job programs” in the left side bar, and follow the links. If you have questions about this service for members, please contact Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300, DSN 333-2067, or e-mail at career@aogusafa.org.

Office: (303) 290-1620 ‘

Col (Ret) James A. Shaw, Jr., 67

RO. Box 505

3116 Academy Dr.

Keuka Park, NY 14478

USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

Home: (315) 536-3134

Home: (719) 488-2185

Work: (315) 536-3135

Work: (719) 472-0300

Maj Gen (Ret) Alan V. Rogers, ‘64

Mrs Jody A. Merritt, ‘89

4600 North 32nd Road

5751 Condor Court

Ways to Give to The AOG and The Air Force Academy Benefits to Donor

*Cash

*Full income tax deduction. Immediate impact to AOG/USAFA.

or other

property

*Full income tax deduction. Capital gains tax savings. Immediate impact to AOG/USAFA.

*Bequests (by will or trust)

*Maximum flexibility. Full use of assets during lifetime. Estate tax savings.

*Gift of life insurance

*Ability to make larger gift with smaller annual (or one-time) cash

outlay. Income tax deduction for current value and/or cost of premiums. *Gift of personal residence or farm

*Gift with life income for donor and/or spouse.

*Bequest of IRA or qualified retirement plan asset

*Donor retains use for life. Partial income tax deduction. Estate tax

saving.

*Lifetime income. Income, capital

gain, estate tax savings. *Income and estate tax savings. Assets may be taxed at rates as high as

85% at death if passed to beneficiaries.

*Gift of income with assets to heirs.

Arlington, VA 22207

San Jose, CA 95118

Home: (703) 237-7375

Home: (408) 269-6400

Work: (703) 227-6719

Office: (408) 744-2104

Hire an Academy Graduate

Method

*Gift of appreciated assets

‘

Col (Ret) Joseph G. Burke, 70

immediate

impact for AOG/ USAFA. Estate tax savings. Increased inheritance for heirs.

For more information and a free booklet on charitable giving

Many of you are in positions to make or influence hiring decisions for your company. Your Association of Graduates, along with the alumni organizations from Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines, offers companies online access to the Joint Service Academy Resume Database System (JSARDS).

This is an excellent source for those companies seeking highly-quali-

fied, well-educated and motivated employees. This database is hosted and administered by The Destiny Group. Hiring managers can both see and hear a prospective employee via the Internet while reviewing their resume

along with a fully documented file of the individual’s skills and de-

sires.

Fees for access to JSARDS generally are based on the length of the con-

tracted access period. To find out more about this service, please visit our website at www.aog-usafa.org, click on “Graduate Job Programs” in the left side bar, and follow the links to the Corporate Demo under JSARDS.

Return With Honor Video Available

Directly Through the AOG The video of the dramatic AOG-sponsored movie, “Return With

Honor,” is now available for purchase direcdy through the AOG. Order your copy now of this very powerful film by visiting the merchandise site on theAOG website (www.aog-usafa.org), by calling theAOG

and estate planning, contact the Development Office at the AOG,

(719) 472-0300, or by visiting Doolittle Hall. Cost is $ 19 for AOG mem-

(719) 472-0300 or e-mail: Gary Howe at Gary.Howe@usafa.af.mil.

bers and $24 for nonmembers, plus $5 shipping and handling.

71

SPORTS

FEATURE

FIGHT FOR A

CAUSE AOG SUPPORT OF WING OPEN HELPS RAISE $17,000 The 2001 Wing Open Boxing Championship was a huge success on Sunday, March 4. onsider the following—all four defending champions successfully defended their titles;

C

over

5,700 fans attended the event in Clune

Arena; more than $17,000 was raised to benefit two children battling life-threatening diseases; and, because ofthe enthusiasm shown by the Cadet Wing at the event, the Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Mark Welsh III cancelled a Saturday morning inspection (SAMI).

“I believe all the bouts were equally matched,”

said boxing coach Eddie Weichers. “I can’t tell you how pleased I was with not just the competition in every

fight, but the spirit the Cadet Wing and the Cadet Drum and Bugle Corp displayed was outstanding.

If there was one disappointment in the fight card, it came in the 119-pound division where three-time Open champion Joel Rivera went unopposed to give him his fourth Open title. He becomes only the ninth boxer in Open history to earn four titles.

“I know Joel would have preferred winning the title in the ring,” said Weichers. “But, we just didn’t have any boxer in the program that

wanted to take him on. He is that good. But I also know that he has his sights set on winning the national title.”

TheWing Open Outstanding Boxer Award went to C2C Joseph Harding in the 165-pound weight division. Harding used a strong right hand to dominate C1C Michael Pontius, a runner-up in last year’s Wing Open. Harding won a 5-0 decision for the upset.

In the first bout of the night, defending Wing Open champion C1C Adam Roberts won a unanimous 5-0 decision over C4C Jeb Fredrickson II in the 125-pound division. Fredrickson was the aggressor throughout the match and kept Roberts on the defense. However, the more experienced Roberts successfully countered with combinations and flurries to earn his second Open title.

“I knew Jeb had the reach and size advantage over me, so I became a counter-puncher,” Roberts said. “He was more aggressive tonight than what he has been in practice, so that surprised me a little bit. But I think I did a good job of parrying his punches.”

C1C Chris Geisel used an aggressive straight-on approach against C2C Eamon Murray in the 132-pound weight division to win a 5-0 decision. In the 147-pound weight division, C3C Ulysses Linares successfully countered C3C Frankie Woods’ attack to win a unanimous decision. C4C Clell Knight won a unanimous decision over C2C Thomas Cisar in the 156-pound weight division. Knight used his height and reach advantage to take the match. In a hard-fought bout, C1C Aaron Banks won the 175-pound division over C1C Brandon Tellez on a 5-0 decision. Banks, a runner-up in last year’s Open, was the aggressor throughout the match, but Tellez was able to back Banks up several times with hard counter punches.

C1C John Pantages won his second consecutive Wing Open title in the 185-pound division with a 5-0 decision over C1C Michael Thompson, a runner-up in the Open for the second time. Pantages used a strong left hand to force Thompson into two standing eight counts in the final round. In the 195-pound division, defending national champion Dustin Brown used his experience to overpower C3C Christopher Hart. Brown used an over-hand right throughout the three rounds to take a unanimous decision from the five judges. In the final bout of the night, defending champion C1C Lee Poage won the heavyweight division over C1C Derek Angel. Poage won his second consecutive Open title. Angel was a game boxer throughout the bout, but couldn’t match Poage’s ring experience. In the end, it was the closest decision of the night, with Poage winning on a 3-2 vote by the judges. ■

CHECKPOINTS, 72

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Air Force National

captured its third consecutive

Boxing Championship

the process crowned three

on

7

April and in

gold medal winners at the City Pa-

second-place Penn State University with 32 and the Naval Academy with 27. “I can’t give enough credit to our boxers and how they performed throughout this tournament,” said head coach Eddie Weichers Jr. “It was evident that the time and energy that they put in throughout our

paid off here. We were able to go toe to toe with some of the best collegiate boxers in the nation and come out on top. I couldn’t be happier.”

season

Senior Joel Rivera, who was seeking his first national title after winning four wing open championships, finally came out on top in the

119-pound division.

Rivera de-

feated the University of Nevada-Las Vegas’ Joey Song. Rivera lost to Song in the regional

competition two weeks ago in Las Vegas.

Rivera used strong combinations throughout the three-round bout to gain the victory.

It was a very emotional bout for Rivera after losing a gold-medal opportunity at nationals

the past three years. “Coach (Weichers) told me that this was going to be the last time that we were going to be in the ring together, so that added to my emotions,” said Rivera.

“It seemed like everything came together in this, my senior year. This victory means a lot to me.

I knew it was the last fight in my boxing career and after six minutes in the ring

it would be over.”

Joining Rivera as gold medal winners were Ulysses Linares (147-pound division) and Dustin Brown (195-pound division). Linares won a unanimous decision over Penn State’s

Brown won his second consecutive national title by dominating Max Raymond from UNLV. Lreshman Clell Knight lost his 156-pound final to Alex Komlov, a senior from Penn State.

“I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of this team and the effort that they put forth throughout the season,” Weichers said. “Clell will be back. He gained valuable experience in his first season as a collegiate boxer. I think he is destined to be a national champion in the future. “Dustin proved why he is a defending champion. He took the match over a talented UNLV opponent and Ulysses fought a very smart fight against an experienced Penn State boxer,” Weichers said.

Nathan LaBuda.

WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS WIN NATIONAL TITLE ir Lorce edged the competition to win its first-ever team title in the finals of the U.S. Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships, April 13, with a final team score of 192.825. University of alifornia Davis secured second-place with 192.400, followed by Seattle Pacific University with 192.050 and Texas Woman’s University with 191.750.

On floor, Bethany Stott led the way for the falcons, scoring a 9.900, followed by Jennifer Dougherty and Kimberly Broughton who both scored a 9.825, to help give Air Force a team score of 49.150.

“The team believed in themselves and they believed in the coaches. They trained extremely hard and had the focus to keep it all together during the championship,” said women’s head coach Lisa Woody.

Woody was named North Central Region Women’s Gymnastics Coach of the Year and USAG Collegiate Head Coach of the Year.

“All in all, we had a great season. We broke 11 AFA women’s

gymnastics records, maintained a team GPA over a 3.00, qualified to the NCAA Regional Championships for the first time ever, came home with the USAG Collegiate Team Championship and had 11 individual USAG Collegiate All-Americans including the National Beam Champion,” said Woody.

“The team was so deserving of winning Nationals. They’ve worked so hard for it and it finally paid off! Personally, I cried like a baby... so relieved, so happy, so proud of what this team has accomplished,” she said.

The Air Force men’s gymnastics team also participated in the finals of the U.S. Gymnastics Collegiate Nationals Championships, placing fourth.

The Falcons had 13 individuals qualify as All-Americans.

By SrA Gil Boisson/Athletic Media Relations

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SCORECARD

SPORTS

THE JOE SCOTT ERA IS UNDERWAY first look at the final results of the 2000-01 men’s basketball season would leave you without the total

picture. You find a final record of 8-21 and a 3-11

mark and

eighth place finish in the

Mountain West Conference. Those numbers don’t begin to tell the story of a program that is turning around

under the direction of the former Princeton standout and assistant coach. The team played the first all-Division I schedule in school history that featured 10 post-season teams from the previous year.

“We are preparing to win games in one of the toughest leagues in the country,” Scott said. “I

didn’t want to send our guys the wrong message by playing a schedule that didn’t get us ready.” Scott

picked up his first collegiate win as Air Force defeated Houston, 59-53, in the season opener at the Black Coaches Association Classic at Wake Forest. The victory was Air Force’s first on the road to open a season since 1983 and just the third ever. The win also marked Air Force’s first against a team from a major conference on the road since beating Auburn, 48-46, in 1980. The Falcons followed the victory with seven consecutive losses, as the installation of a new system and a completely different coaching style took its toll. In addition, Air Force was playing with a young team. “They were all freshmen at the beginning of the season,” Scott said. “Everyone was learning how to play the way we wanted them to.”

The Falcons started two freshmen early on, Robert Todd and Josh Wallace. A third rookie, Joe Gerlach, joined them in the starting lineup later. By season’s end, freshmen would log nearly 33 percent of the total minutes and freshmen and sophomores would add up to 65 percent. Further adding to the difficulty early on was 2000 MWC freshman of the year Tom Bellairs missing the first

five games with a stress fracture. Once Bellairs returned and got comfortable with a move from

forward to center, the Falcons put together their most successful run of the season. Air Force won three of four games beginning with a 63-56 overtime win over Central Connecticut State, an NCAA Tournament team from a year ago. The team overcame a 20-point second-half deficit to get the win.

The deficit is the largest overcome by an Air Force team in the last 15 years.

Life in the MWC would be difficult, but the team showed signs of what may come soon. Air Force was in every game. Air Force would beat a talented Colorado State team, 46-45, and handle New Mexico, 53-49, to record the first back-to-back home conference wins since 1995. The 45

points allowed against the Rams is the fourth lowest total in Air Force’s 21 years of conference play.

Air Force picked up its final conference win against Utah, 71 -60, to record the first win over a firstst

place conference team since beating 21 -ranked UTEP in 1992. Air Force just missed a winning conference home record two nights later when BYU escaped Clune Arena, 51-50, behind a questionable call late in the game.

The Falcons and Cougars would play another classic just five days later in the opening round of the MWC Tournament in Las Vegas, Nev. Air Force led by as many as 11 points in the second half

before BYU rallied to win late, 69-54. BYU continued its fine play to win the tournament and advance to the NCAA Tournament.

“Successful, winning programs have players that improve individually each year,” the coach said. “That is our challenge now. We need each player to improve his game and make basketball

important. When you get that, you have something to really build on.” Air Force will return all but one player who played regularly for next year. Coupled with another tough schedule, the Falcons could be poised to complete the turnaround sooner than anybody thought possible.

By Troy Garnhart GRADS COMPETE AT U.S. RUGBY TRYOUT ix USAFA

grads recently competed for positions on the U.S. National Rugby Eagles. The ruggers showed their stuff as members of the All-Armed Forces team during the National All-Star Championships (NASC). The NASC showcases the nation’s best rugby players as they compete for regional bragging rights and

S

Team, known as the U.S.

selection to the national team. This year the Armed Forces team won their four-team division by defeating the Northeast 33-26 and Southern California, 20-18. Representing USAFA at this prestigious tournament were:

Maj. Ken Holliday, ’88; Lt. Ben Trautwein, ’98; Lt. James

Gherdovich, ’98; Lt. Matt Carmody, ’99; Lt. Dylan Newman, ’99; and Lt. Joe Kennedy, ’98.

Rugby is now a funded Armed Forces varsity sport. To learn more about Air Force rugby, go to www.usafrugby.com

5;

SCORECARD

SPORTS

WRESTLERS KEEP HOLD OF ALL-ACADEMY TITLE

S

urrounded by a crowd of screaming and yelling Army faithfuls, Falcon Kevin Floy won in sudden death overtime and captured the

heavyweight title at the Academy Wrestling Championships at West Point February 3. Air Force grapplers amassed 103.5 points in the tournament to defend their “all-Academy” title. The Falcons own three out of seven team titles in the tournament’s history, as does Navy.

Floy’s defeat of Midshipman Steve Kovach denied Navy the points it needed to pass Army in a quest for second place. The Black Knights edged out the midshipmen 88 to 87. Next were the Citadel (49.5 points), Virginia Military Institute (27), and Coast Guard (22.5), Norwich (7), and the Merchant Marine Academy (5.5).

Falcon Scott Frohardt (149 lbs.) won the James K. Shelton Award as the tournament’s most outstanding wrestler. Air Force advanced seven wrestlers to the championship round and came away with five individual champions.

Air Force Coach Wayne Baughman won co-coach of the year honors.

Frohardt won his third consecutive title becoming only the fourth person in the tournament’s history to win a championship three times. He has an opportunity for an unprecedented fourth title next year.

Falcons Heath McKim (125), Andy Peters (133), Alex Pelbath (165), and Hoy (Hwt) were the other four champions for Air Force. McKim defeated Army’s Brett Gendron, the defending champion and No. 1 seed in the finals for his championship. Pelbath edged Coast Guard’s Chris Fertig 3-2 in the finals. Fertig, a Division III All-American last year, tried for a takedown in the final seconds of the match, but Pelbath stood his ground in one of the most exciting match-ups of the tournament.

SWIMMING TEAMS FINISH STRONG

T

he Air Force men’s and women’s swimming teams placed third and sev-

enth, respectively,

in

the

Mountain

West

Conference

Championships.

Air Force’s Sarah Law was named the MWC Women’s Diver of the Year while her

coach, Stan Cumow, was named the Women’s Diving Coach of the Year. Air Force men dominated the 200-yard breastroke, taking first and third-place spots. Falcon Matt Ihlenfeld won the

gold at 1:58.67, BYU’s Nicholas Tobler was second at 2:00.75 and Falcon John Dayton took third. On the women’s side, Air Force’s Sarah Law captured the platform diving title.

AIR FORCE WINS SERVICE ACADEMIES BASEBALL CLASSIC

A

ir Force recorded its fifth which

Service

Academy Championship,

wins than any other team.

The Falcons won the tournament in 1990 and ‘91, then tied for the title in ’96, before are

more

winning it again in ’99. Air Force went 2-1 in “round robin” play this year; defeating Army and Navy and losing to Memphis. Mike Thiessen was selected Tournament MVP and was joined by teammates Matt Koegel, Price Paramore and Mike Tufte on the All-Tournament Team.

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SPORTS

Sports Up Close

FENCER TAKES SECOND AT WORLD FENCING TOURNAMENT

C

adet 3rd Class Seth Weston is world.

He

recently

traveled to

one a

of the

top-ranked junior fencers in the

world tournament in Cuba where he took

second place.

In his eight years of fencing, Weston has traveled to 20 countries, quite an accomplishment

considering he got into fencing by accident. “I had a friend who fenced and I followed him to the gym one day,” Weston said. He didn’t earn any trophies during his early competitions. “I got destroyed the first year,” Weston said.

In his second year of fencing, he won the under-13 competition at the Junior Olympics.

“His power of concentration is very high under pressure,” said Abdel Salem, Academy fencing coach. “He performs very well under pressure. He’s become more mature this year and it’s shown in his fencing. He still needs a lot of work but I’m very happy with him.”

“It’s a whole different ball park,” he says of the future.

“Right now, I’m just trying to

keep my grades up and make the World Team.’Tm hoping to go for the 2004 or 2008

Olympics,” Weston said.

“It’s kind of a long term goal.”

AFA SWIMMER LEAVES GOODWILL IN HER WAKE ■

Success in pool equaled only by her efforts to help others The whirlwind known as Candace Staubitz will graduate this spring from the Air Force Academy. She will

move to

New Orleans and attend the Tulane University medical school.

Around Colorado Springs, she will leave behind a widespread mark of kindness.

Staubitz was a chaperon for a “Keep Kids Off the Street Night” at Lewis-Palmer High School and a YMCA

post-prom event for high school students. She cleaned windows and raked leaves at senior citizens’ homes. She

judged an elementary school science fair. She volunteered at the academy hospital. When faculty members needed a baby-sitter, she was there.

In the academy’s sports information department, her succinct biography—listing volunteer stints and athletic, military and academic honors— took up two pages.

“At the academy, I feel that everybody is giving me so much, so 1

wanted to give something back,” Staubitz said.

It’s not like she had hours to spare every day.

As a captain of the Air Force women’s swimming team, she trains

long hours.

She was a Mountain West Conference championship meet

c^psolation finalist in the 100-meter butterfly and a finalist on the 200mdter medley relay.

In 1997, she was voted the team’s most motivational freshman.

She’s been on the all-Mountain West academic team in 2000 and

2001, besides constant honors on the Air Force dean’s and

superintendent’s lists.

For those cadets needing help in their studies, she’s been a chemistry and English tutor since 1999.

“I like to keep busy, she said.

She started early. Classical violin lessons began at age seven. While she doesn’t practice the violin an hour almost every day like she did before she arrived at Air Force from Mesa, Ariz., she played in the academy’s Bluebard 1998 production of “Damn Yankees” and the 1999 production of “Camelot.”

Among her attempts to branch out was the completion of an Air Force basic free-fall parachuting program.

“I got over my fear of heights pretty fast,” Staubitz said. “It was kind of like floating for a bit.”

But not for long. She had things to do. “

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SPORTS Sports Up Close

HOCKEY PLAYERS EARN RECOGNITION ■

Kielkucki Named Player of the Year

S

enior goalie Marc Kielkucki and senior winger Scott Bradley earned top honors in College Hockey America.

Brian Gomick, Andy Berg and Joe Locallo were named to all-CHA teams while several Falcons earned CHA all-academic team honors. Kielkucki, the standout senior goaltender from Brooklyn Park, Minn., was named

the CHA Player of the Year. Kielkucki is the first Falcon ever to earn conference

player of the year honors. The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder started 35 of the 37 games and was named the CHA Defensive Player of the Week four times this season. He led the CHA and ranked 11th in the nation in minutes played. Bradley, a senior winger from Colorado Springs, Colo., was named the CHA Student-Athlete of the Year. He carries a 3.47 grade point average and is majoring in civil engineering. Kielkucki was also named the goaltender on the all-CHA first team. He was joined on the all-CHA team by teammates Brian Gomick and Andy Berg. Gomick was named as a forward on the first team while Berg was chosen as a forward on the second team. Air Force freshman defenseman Joe Locallo was named to the CHA all-rookie team. Joining Bradley on the CHA all-academic team were Gomick, Billy O’Reilly, Jeff Zurick and Justin Hamilton.

Thank You Fans: Air Force’s six largest home crowds of the season came in

the last six games. The largest crowd in 10 years at the Academy (3,093) watched the Air Force-Army game, March 2. Air Force averaged 1,529 fans per home game, the

second highest average in the CHA. The average attendance is also AFA’s highest since Frank Serratore’s first season (1997-98) when an average of 1,531 watched Falcon hockey. Over the last six games, the Falcons averaged 2,218 fans per game.

The Serratore Magic: In the two years prior to Serratore’s arrival, the Falcons won a combined 12 games,

all at home, and won just 24 percent of their games. In his fourth season, Serratore has led the Falcons to 65 wins and has won 47 percent of his games. Perhaps the most accurate measure of any Academy coach is his success

against the other academies. Serratore is nearly perfect in that regard. Since Navy does not have a varsity team, the only competition is against Army. At Air Force, Serratore is 7-1-1 vs. Army.

■ FALCONS MAKE MARK AT

CLAY TARGET COMPETITION 1C Matej Hajdinjak (left) takes aim at a fast moving target during the

final round of trap shooting competition at the Association of College Unions International 33 rd Annual

Intercollegiate Clay Target Championship 29 March-1 April in San Antonio. Hajdinjak hit 193 of 200 targets to win the Class B competition.

C2C Jonathan Richards hit 183 of 200 to

win the Class D competition.

■

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOB JENSEN

FALCON FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR 2001 SEASON LOCATED ON THE

BACK COVER.

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SPORTS

PERS PECTIVE

-

GE T

PH Y SICAE BY

COL. RANDY

DIRECTOR

er

P

OF

SPENTMAN

ATHELETICS

the USAFA Vi-

sion Document

permanent grades are then averaged for

“ON THE FIELDS OF

PEA computation

...

Our athletic programs must continue to provide

all cadets a realis-

tic leadership experience in a

FRIENDLY STRIFE ARE

—

PEA

+ 35% PE + 15% AFT.

SOWN THE SEEDS THAT,

UPON OTHER FIELDS, ON

=

50% PFT

The averaged

grades are weighted based on the expected time commitment devoted to each element. To pass the AFT and PFT (1.00 or D grade), cadets must

THE OTHER DAYS WILL BEAR THE FRUITS OF

score at least 200 of the possible 500 mentally and physically chalVICTORY!” lenging environment through points on each test. NOTE: Passing each element with a D grade only builds physical education, fitness traina 1.00 Cum PEA. ing and testing and intramural and intercollegiate athletic comThere are no minimum passing scores for each of the five individual PFT events. Howpetition. The inclusion of physical education, intramurals and intercollegiate competition as core programs is easy ever, to promote balanced personal fitness, a Fitness to understand, but what role does fitness testing play in Threshold is established for each PFT event. Cadets not cadet leadership development? meeting any Fitness Threshold are enrolled into a mandaIn addition to measuring overall physical fitness, the tory athletic reconditioning program and expected to imcadet fitness testing program helps develop the key leadprove, but are not withheld from meeting graduation standards. ership traits of teamwork, discipline, perseverance, selfAthletic probation is part of a rehabilitation program confidence, emotional control, physical stamina, overcomto help physically deficient cadets; placing deficient cadets ing adversity and maintaining a highly competitive attitude. This ongoing fitness test assessment is so critical it on notice that they need to demonstrate proficiency while is folded into a cadet’s record to determine if they meet on probation. Cadets are placed on athletic probation for graduation requirements. Here is how it works failing a testing element (PE, PFT or AFT) or earning less The Academy graduation standard for the athletic pilthan a 2.00 semester or Cum PEA. If proficient in PFT, lar is to earn at least a 2.00 cumulative (Cum) Physical AFT and PEA, cadets not meeting a PFT individual event Education Average (PEA). Cum PEA is a balanced, fourFitness Threshold for the first time are placed into a squadron-level administered get-well program. Repeat occuryear, total fitness measure. Additionally, passing six semester hours of physical education (PE) credit and comrences of not meeting a Fitness Threshold results in athletic pleting courses in physical development, aquatics, probation and mandatory athletic reconditioning.

To summarize, fitness testing in combination with combatives, individual lifetime sports and team sports are Academy core course graduation requirements. physical education courses are the key testing elements PEA is a function of three testing elements PE that build a cadet’s Cum PEA. The Academy has embraced Cum PEA as the best, and most balanced fourcourses, the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and the Aerobic Fitness Test (AFT). The PFT is a timed five-event test year assessment available to measure a cadet’s physical and leadership development through athletics. Fit(pull-ups, standing long jump, sit-ups, push-ups and 600 ness testing is a key process that helps to ensure Army yard run) designed to measure muscular strength, power and anaerobic fitness. The AFT is a timed 1.5-mile crossGen. Douglas MacArthur’s famous quote still rings true On the fields offriendly strife are sown the country course designed to measure aerobic fitness. seeds that, upon other fields, on other days will bear PE, PFT and AFT raw scores are converted to a traditional 4.00 (A thru F) permanent grade. The respective the fruits of victory! m ...

-

...

CHECKPOINTS, 78

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CLASS NEWS Pete Todd 1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015 Home: (719) 531-5874 FAX: (719) 531-6697

E-mail: petetodd@aol.com Percent members: 83 As promised last quarter, this issue’s guest columnist is Kent MONTAVON, who took his bride, Fredda, on a Smithsonian Institution Study Trip to China during the last two weeks in September last year. Herewith, his account of their journey: ‘We had three professors who accompanied us and gave us a great deal of in-

formation on different aspects of Chinese life. One was an historian, another an anthropologist, and the third was an expert in Chinese art. We got lots more out of the trip than just sightseeing. We did go to Beijing (and the Great Wall), Xian

(and the Terra Cotta Warriors), Chongqing (and the new General Stillwell Museum), three days on a cruise boat going down the Yangtze River (site of the massive Three Gorges Dam), then to Wuhan and on to Shanghai.

‘It was really a great experience; heartily recommended. If you have any inkling of doing something like this, I would recommend it be done before 2004, when they will close up that dam and start filling up the reservoir. It will be the largest dam in the world when completed and will fill a lake behind it up to 180 feet deep. Sadly, it will drastically change the wonderful scenery of the Yangtze River. It will also displace over one million people who live along the banks of the

golf because of unfavorable weather. About the only social activity was the periodic ladies’ birthday luncheon in February.

Bill says the guys will hit the golf course come springtime. Although greatly honored as the current recipient and caretaker of the “Best ‘59er Hacker of the Day” trophy, he’s looking forward to the opportunity to let another deserving classmate take possession.

On the health scene (remember when we mostly talked about assignments, flying and babies?), Jimmie “Golden Throat” JAY is close to being back on combat-ready status following triple bypass surgery in February. Some guys have

suggested using our ‘59er Net as an e-mail forum to share information on symptoms, treatments (those that worked and those that didn’t), and other issues of general health interest. To some, health is an intensely private matter, but there may be an opportunity for mutual support. Any thoughts?

Unfortunately, our early mentors, the ATOs, who average 6-10 years older than

wearing out ahead of us. I’m sorry to report that one of that brotherhood, Howard “Mac” McKenzie, died of cancer last November. After a successour group, are

ful military career, Mac retired as a colonel in 1977 and joined the Alabama Ethics Commission. During his tenure as an investigator and later as acting director of the commission, he was involved in probes that led to the removal from office of the governor and the imprisonment of a crooked state treasurer. The Class of 1959 extends its condolences to the family of this fine officer who lived and guided others on the path of integrity.

Finally, for those of you beginning to swelter in the heat of the approaching summer, a reminder that the world turns.

river and will have to be relocated.

“The Stillwell Museum in Chongqing is in the building that was used as Stillwell’s headquarters. It was built largely with funds donated by veterans of those head-

quarters. There is one room that tells the story of the Hump Airlift, another that tells of the Flying Tigers, and other rooms that give more general information on the mission of that volunteer group.

‘In the room for the Flying Tigers, I found a picture of Ed McComas {Ed: Published in the March column.) If my memory serves me (though it hasn’t for some time now), that is the same picture I remember seeing in Mrs. Mac’s office back in those years long ago. Seeing it there brought back some more nostalgic thoughts.

“FYI: McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut are alive and well in China, though Pizza Hut is doing less well than the other two. We were told that the Chinese generally

do not eat cheese, so pizza is not a big seller. (Is that why there are so few Chinese in Wisconsin?) But McDonalds is everywhere. In fact, the world’s largest McDonalds is in Beijing.

‘People ask what was the most memorable part of the trip. That is a tough one to answer, but I think the highlights for me were the Great Wall and the Terra

Cotta Army. They are both just awesome sights when you place them in the historical context. Both of them were completed before the time of Christ!”

In other travel news, Mike BENDER announced with all due modesty that, after only 37 years, he has achieved his goal of running the equivalent of around the world at the equator (24,884 miles). He said he limped across the finish line on a hike in the mountains outside of Anchorage last summer. I am deeply impressed at this extraordinary accomplishment. Not the running; anybody who aspires to live the rest of his life with arthritic knees could do that. I’m talking about the prodigious job of records-keeping. to tally, cross-reference, keep track of, preserve, and prevent the movers from losing and the dog from eating his log!

(Seriously, great achievement, Mike. Well done.)

Deac HOUSTON noted (by way of the most colorful pictorial Christmas letter of the decade) that he and Renee completed their winter home in Palm Desert at Indian Ridge Country Club early last year and sold their Stafford Hills Ranch Home. They’re now putting the final touches on a penthouse condo on the river in Lake Oswego and expect to move in sometime this spring. Stand by for latest

Braving the subzero weather at a ‘59er tailgate before the AF-Colorado State football game last November are, from left, Brock and Claire Strom, Max Miller and Trix Scott, Dick and Liisa Hilbert, and Wendy and Pete Todd.

Thought for the quarter. Never put off until tomorrow what you can forget about forever.

A.J. (Rosie) Cler, Jr. 11181 West 17th Ave. (208)

Lakewood, CO 80215-2759 (303) 238-4973, FAX: 237-7625 e-Fax: (509) 463-4700

E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com Percent members: 87

Ws

Jock SCHWANK retired as Vice President, Services, for our Association of Graduates on Friday, 26 Feb2001. In a retirement dinner held at Doolittle Hall and at-

tended by 80 AOG staff and board members, dignitaries, Jock’s parents and fam-

developments.

He also wrote about their trip to England and Ireland last summer: watched Tiger Woods win the British Open, traveled 17 days through the countryside, played 12 rounds of golf, helicoptered to Ireland, etc. An idyllic holiday.

Bill TELFORD says it was a quiet winter in and around Virginia, with not much

Pictured around the table in Old Town Alexandria are Judy Jay, Anne Telford, Karen Morgan, Bonnie Jefferson, Molly Connally. Judy Lanman, Brenda Welch,

Linda Johnson, and Brenda Wynn.

In the back row are Jock with sons David (left) and Blake. In the front row are David’s wife, Jill; daughter Ashley, Hope, Blake’s wife, Christie; daughters Katrina (center), and Jessica Faith (right).

79

ily, and classmates, he was recognized for his 26 years of service to the AOG. Nice ceremony, presided over by AOG President Jim SHAW (’67), with some eloquent comments by Class President Andi BIANCUR, dinner, and entertainment from ‘‘The Academy Singers.” (See photos and story on pages 20 and 21.). From our class were Jim and Mary WADDLE, Andi BIANCUR, Rosie and Karen CLER, Ron and Connie YATES, Bill HALES and friend Sue Woodward, Barbara and Wayne KENDALL, Jim and Jeannette GLAZA, and George PUPICH. We salute you, Jock.

The MiniSki XI was held the first week of March on the powdery slopes of Utah —Park City and Deer Valley—with the following in attendance: Jim and Jeannette

GLAZA, Chuck and Weezee HOLMAN, Greg BOYINGTON and June Colgan, Andi BIANCUR and Carole Kramer, Jerry DE LA CRUZ and his son Greg, Ed NOGAR, Jim O’ROURKE, Earl VAN INWEGEN, GJC FRIES, George and Diana PUPICH, A1 JOHNSON, Greg’s daughter Armand and her husband, Jeff, and June Colgan’s

daughter Michelle.

After learning that John Stanley BRUSH recently had a heart attack, D.L. WALSH and I raced to the Springs January 12 th for a visit to the recuperating JSB. Jack and Jeanne were back in Gaithersburg, MD visiting son Jeff when Jack suffered his attack the day after Christmas 2000. The docs performed angioplasty by inserting a tube into one blocked artery and inflating a balloon to reopen the blockage, then placed a stent into the other artery to keep both tubes open. He returned to work January 6*—Jack is President/CEO of Columbine Capital, which he formed in 1980 to provide economic forecasts and quantitative decision-making tools to market magicians, money managers, and financial advisers

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looks great and is

probably back flying his 1975 Aerostar by the time you’re reading this. (As an interesting side note, Jack just spent a quarter mil to give himself a better view of Pikes Peak he bought the lot next door and tore down the house setting on it, he and Jeanne are now replicating a Mayan ruin on that site. Don’t ask why.)

After returning from our reunion last October, Mike A. CLARKE had his doctor do a finger wave on him during a routine medical check and found something suspect, despite the fact that Mike’s PSA tests had always been normal. His prostate was removed, placed in a jar, and he’s been recovering nicely: “I’ve lost track —

of my prostate. I was hoping to have it bronzed for my mande, but, alas, some idiot sectioned it to determine some arcane things for medical science, and thereby dashed my hopes. I’m back on the golf course, and the doctor says I’m cured.” And then Charlie LIGGETT had an angiogram the 23 rd of February which showed one coronary artery about 95 percent clogged, so they did an angioplasty and inserted two small stents. He’s doing fine.

Class Autobiographies. You received President Andi BIANCUR’s letter of 26 Oct 2000, which included a recap of the 40 th Reunion, as well as a request for the preparation of our individual biographies; also, George Thrower LESTER’s Nov 2000 letter asking each of us to prepare an autobiography, starting with the Academy. This is just a reminder to type 'em out and mail 'em in to George at 1083 North Collier Boulevard, PMB 324, Marco Island, FL 34145, (941) 393-0581.

This was just another routine travel year for Frank and Eve MAYBERRY. I’ll list only their stops, briefly, and in order: Nevada, California, Arizona, back to Australia, Cape York in northern Queensland, Cooktown (where Captain Cook repaired the Endeavour in 1770), Weipa, Iron Range National Park and Chili Beach, Restoration Island, Fruit Bat Falls, Horn Islands in the Torres Strait, Lord Howe Island (north of New South Wales), Mount Lidgebird, Ball’s Pyramid, back to CONUS on to Colorado, Florida, Texas, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida’s Ever-

glades and Key West

that’s for 2000. Then back to Australia in early 2001.

AFA FOOTBALL 2001. A lot of fans have bemoaned our scheduling of weaker opponents for season openers, like Division I-AA’s Cal State-Northridge last year, Division II’s U. of Northern Colorado a decade ago, others like the Citadel and Villanova. We’d scheduled Southwest Texas State for this year, but who do we replace them with? OKLAHOMA! Last year’s national champions! (The Associated Press recently reported that “Sugar,” a peregrine Falcon, chases gulls and other pesky birds away from the runway at Fairchild AFB. Couldn’t we get OUR falcons unleashed at Falcon Stadium on those big Okies at our Labor Day opener?

Just when they get too close to the end zone?) Fast forward to Nov 3 rd for a funfilled weekend a get-together between reunions and come out for the AFAArmy game. We’ve arranged a $72/night rate at the Radisson that Thursday thru Sunday. The agenda includes a Friday evening “Personality Adjustment Time,” Jim GLAZA’s tailgate with the FalconMobile Saturday starting at 9 a.m. (with your four basic food groups: kegs, cans, bottles, and BMs), rout of Army, dinner at the Radisson Saturday night for ‘60 grads and families, Sunday brunch at the hotel, and afternoon social. Questions? Contact me. Then there’s the November 24 th AFA game at Hawaii in Honolulu, which is an opportunity to take your wife or significant other for a vacation on any one of the beautiful Sandwich Islands.

Talk about cloning. Dennis O’KEEFE’s and wife, Sandy’s, son Robin is a “dead ringer” for his old man (who resembles Sean Connery, or is it James Bond?) Robin (31) married Angie, who’s technical director for a software firm, last year on Long Island Robin has his Ph.D. from the U. of Chicago and is doing a two-year post-doctorate with the N.Y. College of Osteopathic Medicine teaching anatomy to medical students. In the photo at the top of the next column are Dennis and Sandy next to their sons Pat (28), John (33), Robin, and his bride, Angie.

POTPOURRI. Last issue’s Trivia ‘60 Question: Who was our first classmate to fly a mission in the Vietnam War? The date? Answer: Andi BIANCUR, who reported to Bien Hoa on 30 April 1963, and flew his first missions 2-4 May 1963...

Bill HALES is a board member and Chair of the Public Policy Committee for the National Alzheimer’s Association... Bill and Kath GILLIS’ 37-year-old son Glen

ported it to the local police, and was on TV! I get asked a LOT of questions. Examples: Who were the other guys in my 10th Squadron during our 1st class year? Does old so-and-so have e-mail? Is “brouhaha” a member of the broccoli family, or a fruit? So, I did some serious mental knuckle-cracking and hired someone to handle these queries— Mr. Answer Guy! Send him your questions, c/o This Column, enclosing a Franklin (for the, uh,

expenses). And now he’s got one for YOU. Who’s the classmate in the photo beCadet Activities: Baseball, 3; Previous Schooling: New Mexico Military Institute; Current Hobbies: Senior Moments. Bye from the Rose.

low? Hints

-

Reads Playboy and pops Prozac!

Earl N. “Nelson” O’Rear 50582 Stonington Drive

xv*

\

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Class of 1961

-

40th Reunion

USAFA vs. Utah

12-16 September 2001

Jjw

Granger, IN 46530-8243 Home: (219) 273-2597

E-mail: ENOandTJO@worldnet.att.net

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80

The O’Keefes, from left: Dennis, Sandy, Pat, John, Robin and Angie. enlisted in the Air Force and reported to Basic Training in April.... Thanks to Carol and Brian KALEY for that CD of the “Naples Traditional Jazz Band!”... Jim GLAZA’s daughter Shari was instrumental in the capture of the “Texas Seven.” As manager of the Hungry Farmer Restaurant in the Springs, Shari spotted them, re-

mzmW

Class Web Site: http://www.usafa61.org/ Percent members: 83

Thanks to all who contributed to this quarter’s article. Please send me something about your lives if you haven’t done so for the past few articles. We particularly want to hear from some of you not on the Internet so that we can all more th easily talk at our 40 Reunion in Colorado Springs September 12-16!

The registration packet will be mailed in June. If you have not already made The Wyndham Colorado Springs (800arrangements, you can contact the hotel —

962-6982, or 719-260-1800) issue of Checkpoints.)

(Rental car discount data is in each Find lost classmates and get them to come. Let’s have —

at any time.

everyone there.

Mark ANDERSON related that the ’61 Ski Weekend in Salt Lake City (Feb 22-

25), which Bob BRICKEY set up, was a great success. Most arrived Thursday and later gathered in Bob’s suite for drinks, war stories, and an “eat-in” dinner. Fri-

day they skied and later regrouped in Bob’s suite for an excellent presentation on the B-2 by Bruce HINDS. Saturday was pre-Olympic skiing at Park City, followed by classy dining at a private club, and culminating with a few words from Sam HARDAGE. Sam did a great job with a tough audience. Another great ski weekend. Those attending: Mark and Ginger ANDERSON, Doc and Marty —

ARNOLD, Bob and Jan BRICKEY (great hosts!), Sam BARAZZONE, Stu and Mamie BOYD, Bruce and Pat HINDS, Sam and Vivian HARDAGE, Bob and Judy HERIZA, Joe HENDRICKS, Brice JONES, Jimmy and Susan POOLE, and Neal and Gwen WESTBROOK (and daughter Wendy).

John BOESCH said that after nearly 30 years working in San Francisco, they expect to be residing in Pinehurst, NC by July. Jim CASSIDY, a Marine, is hidden away in Pennsylvania. He’s alive and well, happily married to the same woman for 39 years. Gene DAVIS, of Florida election fame in Brevard County, reports that of their 219,000 voters, 0.006 percent unintentionally mismarked their ballots as overvotes and 0.06 percent unintentionally mismarked their ballots as some form of undervote. All of the properly marked ballots were counted in all 66 Florida Judy and Gene plan to join Brice JONES for his World Croquet Championships in the wine country in May. Judy is still the assistant shop manager and buyer at the Brevard Museum of Art and Science. After our reunion, Gene and Judy are going to the Azores for a reunion with people that they worked with there.

Paul and Donna DEAN attended Pete and Patty LANE’s get-together of the Dallas/Fort Worth Gray Tags on Feb 24 th Other attendees included Phil WOODS, Tom and Bonnie WILLIAMS, Dick and Sylvia FAIRLAMB, and A1 and Skeeter counties.

.

BLAISDELL as well as John KUENZEL (‘60), who became an honorary Gray Tag for the night so that he and Mimi could join them. A great time was had by all, especially after finishing off a few botties of Brice’s Sonoma Cutrer vintages, as well as every other botde in the cabinet!

Bill and Theda FOSTER are planning to have all Gray Tags in the D.C. area over for dinner, drinks, and conversation at the end of March. Vic and Diane BOUQUET are also to be there. Unfortunately for the Fosters, we heard about it and

also plan to attend.

Gene HOPP says that he is knee deep in dog poop, living near Seattle, WA. He is training a rare breed of dog, the Endebucher Sennenhund a Swiss Mountain

Boeing’s 777 and said that one of the pilots on the program was our Paul HINTON! Maybe Paul can tell us all more about the airplane in September.

Dave CARLSTROM called Roger WOODBURY one evening and suggested that Roger join him for “dessert” at a local diner (near McGuire AFB, NJ). They finally yielded to the pleas of the diner’s staff and left so they could close the place. The Carlstrom family was in the early stages of a quick trip to Lajes. Dave is semiretired, and loves the opportunity to get away. Roger said that Mary Sue’s family lives in southwestern Illinois, so he and I are hoping that they can stop to see us en route during one of their trips to visit her family. Would be great!

See you at our Reunion! Make your arrangements.

Dog, smaller and with shorter hair than a Bernese although marked identically, and a handful.

Henry HOWE is still in Waco, TX, working for Raytheon Aircraft Integration Systems, after retiring from Boeing in February. Peggy is still senior (only) pas-

John W. “Jack” Jamba

tor at First Lutheran Church in downtown Waco.

Jim DARNAUER, Hank’s roommate for a year at USAFA, visited them in February. Jim was at Ft. Hood on a

Home: (407) 777-5520

business trip, spending the weekend in Texas.

Lowell and Sandy JONES plan a 4 1/2-month trip using their new, larger Airstream trailer to the Northwest via Sandy’s high school reunion in Iowa and his father’s 92 nd birthday in South Dakota. They plan to see Oleg and Betsy KOMARNITSKY in Seatde before heading east for our ‘61 Reunion. They will re-

E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

turn through Branson, Nashville, and the North Carolina mountains.

Bob KELLOCK continues as Boeing’s X-40A Test Director. The X-40A is an 85

percent scale model of the X-37 space maneuvering/space return vehicle, which can fit in the Shuttle

bay or be launched to orbit by an expendable booster. The

X-40A will demonstrate systems and software to perform an autonomous land-

ing.

Data gathered should improve the design, testing pace, and capability of

the X-37.

The March issue of The Retired Officer Magazine contains Jerry LEFTON’s picture standing beside General Shelton. The magazine evidently tried to hide his true identity by saying he was Col. Jerry Lofton. (Terrorist threat?) Art KERR reportedly asked Jerry if he was seated when the picture was taken. Jerry said that he had considered looking for a box to stand on. General Shelton is tall.

Isn’t that the right perspective, Jerry?

Charlie NEEL talked with Vic BOUQUET in March. Vic is still battling his ailments but is getting around and receiving calls. In April, Lynda and Charlie are sailing from St. Lucia to Grenada on a 50-foot sailboat with two other couples and a crew of two. They will scuba, snorkel, and generally enjoy the good life —

a welcome winter

respite.

Hector NEGRONI wrote from Puerto Rico that he has totally retired and plans Pro-bono work in a VA

to join the Salvation Army as a corporal, or something.

Hospital is also a possibility. He says that he is still not old enough to play golf— and with his poor knees can no longer play tennis. don’t ask (I did) Jimmy POOLE said that we will NOT have an October Redneck weekend this year; however, plan on a resumption in Oct 2002.

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Bob SMITH was reelected in November to the local Health Care District board for the fifth time. He now has 19 years on the board. Bob enjoys his work as a travel agent, having just finished his ninth cruise.

Bill STACKHOUSE is executing the Stackhouse Bayhouse Oplan. They’re going to build on the Northern Neck of Virginia on Mill Creek. Ttoy and Nancy who WILLIAMS beat them down there. Twy has a big sailboat, and Nancy reportedly will be happy that Bill can relieve her of taught Twy how to sail deckhand duty, so she can relax. Rhoda is considering retiring at the end of the —

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school year.

Sarah STEBBINS said that Charlie still enjoys his work, but they are talking about retiring to Charleston, WV. Sarah retired from Civil Service in 2000 after 25 years at the Naval Research Laboratory and a few at USAFA. Their lives are filled with two new Shar-pei puppies and frequent travel to visit family. One thing they love about being in the D.C. area is the chance to get together with so many classmates!

Terry STORM said that his entire family is going to Hawaii for the AFA football game two days after Thanksgiving. He recommends the Hale Koa, but you must make reservations now.

Art KERR sent the following Hawaiian news item on Teney TAKAHASHI: Teney Takahashi joined the Hawaii Community Development Authority, July 1999 after a career in the private development sector with Amfac Development Corp., Princeville Corp. and HEI Inc. Teney Takahashi is HCDA director of planning and development. Previously, Teney was senior vice president of Amfac Maui.

The HCDA, created in 1976 by the legislature as a quasi-state agency to oversee redevelopment of Ka-kaako, was given broad powers, including floating bonds to pay for projects, condemning land, and developing property. By mandate, it is free to engage private developers on projects without the request-for-proposal process.

Charlie THOMAS thinks that his alma mater, Brooklyn, NY Bishop Loughlin, was the only high school in the country with a graduate in each of the first three

Interesting. Does anyone know of another high school that had graduate in each of the first three (or more) classes?

Tom and Judy WILSON went to sunny Florida for a two-week break from their Minnesota winter in March. Tom saw a feature on Discovery on developing USAFA classes. a

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

4 Judy Court

Satellite Beach, FL 32937 Office: (407) 861-3519 Percent members: 72

Hi Redtags! It’s been almost a normal spring here in Florida. The cold fronts have been more frequent but the rainfall is dangerously sparse. Another Space Shuttle is in orbit and the International Space Station will get a new crew.

Got e-mail from Dick SCHOOF off the Redtag Net. “I am still working and just recently encouraged my wife, Joan, to retire from teaching. Retiring teachers can

participate in a Retirement Opportunity Program (ROP) that pays several hundred dollars and encourages the retiree to return to ‘the scene of the crime’ in various capacities. The benefit is that it encourages senior (expensive) teachers to leave but saves on some substitute costs. Now if they had that in the Air Force it might encourage me to try and fit into that 1983 blue suit I used to wear everyday. It appears that some of our REDTAG associates are well into retiring. Are there any really good lessons learned on retirement?” Thanks for the update, Dick.

Sam DEHNE was discoursing with Gail PECK about Gail having to give up his house for airport expansion in Las Vegas. Gail said: “Taking our house is a good deal for us. We were ready to upgrade anyway and this provides that option without closing costs or realtor fees and it comes with relocation service including

complete packing and moving.” I guess some people are just lucky.

Got e-mail from Walt WICKLEIN: "Got your e-mail off the baltherer net. Thought

you might be interested in something that happened the other day. I received a package from a lady in Indiana that contained the cap and red rain cover that I threw to the heavens on graduation day. She had kept it all these years and finally went to the AOG for my address. She enclosed a nice letter stating that she worked at the academy and attended the graduation and picked up the cap as a souvenir. I have five grandsons, four of them are three years or younger. One of the three-year-olds likes tractors so I bought him an antique John Deere that I am going to restore. It’s great what we can use our grandchildren for when we want

toys.” Thanks for the interesting story about the cap on Graduation Day. Hope all your flowers bloom well as mine have this spring.

Got this e-mail from Butch VICCELLIO: “Hi, Sumo...Lots going on with the new

Viccellios, but that’s been the case with us for some time now. New leadership at USAA (am I included in that phrase) brings lots of financial management skill to the table, and with the company’s growth that is underway, really keeps us busy. How do you spell retirement? But we have no regrets choosing San Antonio as a place to live. Great friends after three active-duty tours here, super weather, unlimited supply of breakfast tacos, and the SPURS!! I think that Jack SWONSON’S reassignment as our main man at new operating location in Phoenix has already been noted in your column, but he is the perfect choice for the job. Since he is hiring and others are laying off, you can imagine how he sits with the Chamber of Commerce! I gave him a map last week with every golf course in Phoenix on it. Knowing him, it won’t go unused. Speaking of Swony

and Redtags, we were at offsite in Tampa last week and went out to eat with Bill and Gayla KNIPP and Roberta SCHAUMBERG. Bill and Gayla just purchased their very own ReMaxx franchise...Bill is doing the agent recruiting now. If anyone is relocating to that area...Bert spends her time at the area golf courses when she is not visiting daughter Jill who lives nearby, or son Terry who lives here in San Antonio. So we get to see her once in a while. As for us, daughter Pilar is MBA student at Wharton and son Ben is trying to make it in the entertainment world in L.A. Tough league, but the kid has talent... although I have no idea where from! So the pace is no slower than on active duty, but enjoy working for the company that served me so well for nearly 40 years... and rest assured, the outfit is in good shape. I do hear occasionally from one of you whose experience wasn’t what you felt it should have been, but get positives far more often.

Don’t hesitate to let me know how we’re doing... remember, we’re

the owners! Enough for paid political announcements.” Thanks, Butch, for the

update.

I got a late Christmas card from TK and Virginia MOORE: their older daughter E lizabeth continues her work in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the

State Dept; son James is a USMC major and flies the President’s helicopters: younger daughter, Kate, is now occupying a new house with husband, Maurice and two sons. But Tom and Virginia went on the trip of a lifetime to South Africa. Four days in Cape Town followed by several days in the Mala Mala Preserve and the Kruger National Park introduced them to sights of cheetahs, zebras, leopard, lion, elephants and many more. Tom only got 850 pictures but they were all “necessary.” Tom went with high hopes for the trip and was more than delighted with what he saw. Virginia went along to humor Tom and discovered that she really enjoyed seeing the animals in their natural settings. It was one of the most enjoyable trips they have l ever taken in their 36- /2 years together. Thanks for the newsletter, Tom. Got a late Christmas newsletter from Dick and Liz KLASS. “The millennium started off with a blast with friends on Bainbridge Island and a bang in mid-

81

January when Raytheon Aircraft underwent a reorganization that left Dick without a chair when the music stopped. Based on Liz’s job, Dick’s business prospects, and the location of many friends, returning to Arlington, VA. was natural.

Our home is now the world headquarters for Dick’s new consulting firm, klass international network, inc (kin, inc.) and for CCA Federal Operations (if you can do it from Wichita, you don’t need a D.C. office).” They co-located both companies on the lower floor while the upstairs was under renovation. In October they made the annual trek to USAFA for the Navy game. In November, Dick got a sur-

prise dinner for a significant birthday. (I don’t care how much Rogaine he uses it wasn’t his 50 th .) They managed to host a family reunion at Christmas two hours

SMITH (standing), Marianne and Bob STAIB, Chuck TURNER, Freddie SMITH, and Ann and Tuck MCATEE. Most of the evening was spent swapping old war stories or talking about creaky old bones; although there was a discussion about

planning for an early fall Texas and neighboring area Redtag mini-reunion. Jerry said he would put out the word.” Thanks for the info, Chuck.

John Flanagan blew into Fort Walton for a long weekend Feb 23-26.to visit his

stepson, Nate SCOPAC, ‘97 in Special Ops. John knew about the open Red Tag invitation for the area results were that Ed Jackson rounded up Randy —

—

after the renovation was completed. Thanks for the update. And good luck with the new house and new business location.

And this e-mail from Bill HARVEY: “Hi, Jack. Glad to hear from you. You okay?

Looks like Florida has clearly become your once-and-always home... I seldom send anything in for Checkpoints but just decided to do so briefly for some unclear reason. Mainly, I guess, it’s a chance to communicate briefly with you

SCHAUMBERGER and Dick HOFFERT and wives/significant others for a fun

evening of dinner, drinks, and the unique Red Tag stories. Frightening fact of the evening is that Lt. Scopac is flying the same airplane that Randy did the R&D on back in the ‘60s.

That’s it for now. Start planning for the 40 th reunion. I’m looking forward to

seeing you all there.

Go Redtags!

as it looks like

getting down that way may be a long-time-a-comin’. As my parting shot at the working world I decided to go back into knock-down-drag-out clinical practice in Houston for a litde bit. Working with a life-support contrac-

Norman I. Lee III

tor at JSC was immensely frustrating... and I think maybe my age outran me

Redmond, WA 98052 W: (425)237-6004 H: (425)882-0968

17532 N.E. 38th Court

there. The thrill was just gone. “

E-mail:54wrs@msn.com

I’m specializing, if you can fathom this, in a single infectious illness: late-

stage neuroborreliosis and already have an over-full practice. This is one of the really controversial ‘illnesses’ of the time, and I figured I’d never get a handle on it unless I jumped in and really started to get a feel for these patients and the related state-of-the-science as it evolves. So far, I’m beyond anything I can get from books, and I kinda like it out here ‘on the edge’. I/we are making progress, and for me, it’s good to feel part of something in the process of evolving bigtime. (I just have to cover my...[as you fliers say, “six”], since working outside limited existing medical models can get one hauled before state medical boards in a hurry. But at this late age, what’s to lose?)

‘Not being good at the military stuff, and being an aloof sort (read ‘really insecure and fearful’) at USAFA, I nevertheless finally start to see the priceless value of having been there. Just some ability to think with my feet on the ground, insist on evidence, and to think systematically is now paying off. I wouldn’t have had it any other way, and begin to see the gifts each of you gave me. Thank you. I may crash and burn on some crowded Houston freeway before I get this project complete, but at least this has been good for me. And I hope for a few others. Equally important, though, to my Red Tag brethren, I’ve finally come to see a little bit... and want to say... that it was really good to have been given the chance to be among you.” Bill, thanks for that touching tribute to the class. We feel proud that you are one of us.

And this from Randy SCHAMBERGER: “Not much new here. Don’t know if A1 JACKSON mentioned anything about it, but John FLANAGAN was here at Eglin in February. A1 got a group of Redtags together for dinner at Guiseppi’s Seafood Restaurant in Niceville. John was visiting his stepson (a USAFA grad) who is stationed at Duke Field. In addition to Al, John, his son Dick HOFFERT, and his friend Helen, Lieu and I all attended. We had a great time reminiscing and John took some pictures. You’ll have to contact him for copies. If he’s like me, it’ll be a couple of years before he gets them developed! We really missed Alfie (Al’s wife who passed away last spring). Al’s got his cup full since it’s tax time again. I’m still playing tennis full time and Lieu is sitting on the sidelines until the stock market makes up its mind where it’s going. That’s about it.

Hope this helps if you need some space filler.” I needed the space filler. Thanks,

Randy.

Got this one from Hesh ALTMAN: “Bobbi and I returned to Las Vegas just over a year ago. I

opened up an office for a small defense company based in Virginia...

western version of beltway bandits. I have about had it dealing with DoD, though.

Looking for a position as a school crossing guard or something equally as stressful. Bobbi and I have a nice house on the far west side of town. Two guest rooms

if any RTBs happen through the area. If you are in the mood for luxury, my son Joel is one of the managers at the Venetian Hotel. He and wife, Heather, are expecting our first grandbaby in June. Daughter Jodi is in the process of opening her own chiropractic office on the east side of town. According to the business plan I did for her this weekend, she can start supporting me in about three years.”

Thanks for the update, Hesh.

Got this from Chuck TURNER. “We had a Dallas-Ft Worth area Redtag get-together. Jerry SMITH was good enough to organize the outing (at one of Tuck’s favorite restaurants.) From left in the photo are: Peggy and Bob KEIGHERY, Jerry

Work e-mail: norman.i.lee@boeing.com Fax: (425) 237-5775 Percent members: 77

Our Class President, Jim DIFFENDORFER, sent the following note updating the Class Cups for you to consider: “At the 35th Reunion Banquet, I spoke about passage of the class cups to a responsible person, class, AOG, or whatever. I asked for your suggestions or ideas. Here are a couple responses: Option A: Following the AOG idea of collecting old class rings, melting them and making new rings from the ingot, we (‘63) would have the cups melted into an ingot, pass the ingot on to a later class (say 2063, ...

or...) for them to make cups for their class and then perpetuate the tradition. This option would require a later class to add metal since the classes

larger; however, our entire collection of cups would form the base for the new cups. Obviously, a procedure would need to be written; and we would have to trust a later class would follow through on the plan. I’m probably not going to be there for the class of 2063! Or, we could offer any earlier class the ‘privilege’ of continuing the tradition in memory of 1963. Option B: Track sons and daughters of ‘63 grads, find one or more who will take responsibility for the cups, use them from time-to-time in a Memorial Service to the past Class of 1963 the originators of the Class Cup tradition, ensure the cups are kept in the cabinet in the AOG building (or where they might be displayed), and track their sons and daughters to find a second (third, etc.) generation who will carry the tradition on into eternity.

Any option will require a written set of guidelines, procedures, and probably money to defray costs relative to continuing the tradition. All these things are ‘do-able’. At this time, I prefer not to form a team to study and recommend; rather, I would like to hear from you for more ideas. There are many ways to pass on the tradition. However, I feel the most difficult and important issue is not the passage of the cups, it is the passage of a message, a set of values, a code to live by and to serve by. If today’s events are an accurate indicator of the path life will take in the next generations, I think some ‘old time’ philosophy of how to be a better officer, public servant, parent, or person will be needed. Or, at least, it would make us feel better for trying! Let me hear from you.” Jim can be contacted at jimdiff @foxinternet.com. It might be a great idea to make a point of inviting our children and their families to join us at the 40 th Class Reunion.

Geff MCCARTHY tells me he has a new job as of May last year. He directs all medical and surgical care for over 100,000 veterans in Veterans Administration Integrated Service Network 2, Upstate New York. They have a $145m budget that he says is shrinking daily and over 1,500 superb, highly dedicated healthcare professionals. Geff reports being impressed by the selflessness of VA people “it’s like I have come home to the USAF again.” The encouraging part of Geff’s letter is today’s VA is among the very best organized systems in the world. Let’s hope our new Administration will add some of that trilliondollar slush fund to the VA’s budget. He also adds that “...scholars compare the VA to Kaiser-Permanente, Intermountain Health Care in Salt Lake, and even to the Mayo Clinic such is the transformation. In academic medical centers, standardization of best practices results in 50-85 percent success in getting best treatments; in the VA it is above 90 percent and climbing. Geff is also working on an MBA and hopes to make it by age 60. He is still flying but that is limited to monthly trips around rural upstate New York in the club Turbo 182.

He and Julie are off to Europe in a few weeks to visit three of their five children who live in Eire, UK, Italy, and most of all to see their Irish granddaughters Aine and Eibhlin. The welcome mat is out for any of us visiting the Albany area, beds and Zoomie nostalgia available!! Call 518-478-9116 or write Geff and Julie e-mail at GeffMcCarthy@Prodigy.net.

Another one of our Docs, Bob MAZET, wrote a quick note updating us on a couple of classmates: Tom DERIEG ran the annual Desert Classic Marathon on 18 Feb, which he successfully completed in good time. Bob adds that he and Tom beat each other up in the handball courts several times a week at the YMCA with occasional guest appearances by Ed REISDORF. According to Bob, Bill and are

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Visit the AOG Web Site

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Merchandise, Gone But

Not Forgotten and More!

The Dallas/Ft. Worth Group 82

www.aog-usafa.org

MaryLinn WECKER attended the Presidential Inauguration as guests of Mr. and

Larry MCLAUGHLIN saw the bit about Rotary Clubs by Tom FRYER. It turns Says he has been to nine international conventions for Rotary, and will be at the San Antonio convention.

While perusing the local Seattle newspaper back in February, I read about State out that Larry is president-elect of his club!

Mrs. Dick Cheney!

Bud Gilligan sent this photo. It is of five of our Yellow Tags taken at Bud’s house in mid January 2001. In case you don’t recognize the handsome fellows, they are,

from left, Ed PICKENS, Dick GUILD, Doug HARDGRAVE, Fred FROSTIC, and Bud GILLIGAN. Visually, you could say it is a couple of “A” Flight types on the ends,

Senator Linda Evans Parlette, Republican from Wenatchee (12th District). Well, what was the chance Linda was the wife of our own Bob PARLETTE?

To find out, I wrote

an e-mail to Linda via the

Washington Government e-mail address and sure as shootin’ she is! Linda wrote back saying that she is actually a graduate of the class of 1963 high school that is! So that makes me an old ‘Chelan Goat!’ A great what an honor to be in the State Senate! I high school mascot!” That’s terrific wonder how many other of our lovely ladies are Senators or Representatives?

That’s it. We have been using up more than our fair share of the space in Check-

with some “C” Flighters in the middle.

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points these past few times so best stop here, but not without one final note. On Feb 28 th the earth around Seattle and Puget Sound really moved! It will be a day to remember as many of you surely heard, we had a 6.8 earthquake here that literally shook all of us up. The good news is that almost everyone I know had no significant damage at home but the story was different for many of us at work.

Frankly, I was down under my desk watching files, folders, notebooks, airplane models, computer monitors and what all flying off tables and out of shelves. The all fell place was a mess. Our tech reference library shelves —10 shelves high over dumping everything. Boeing Field, where all our test airplanes are located was rendered nearly unusable with a huge crack in the runway. When I called —

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Diff to ask how he had survived, his office was closed and the group relocated.

Their sprinkler system let go!

buildings at Boeing According to Bud, the occasion was a dinner party he and his lovely wife, Joyce, hosted, to welcome Doug HARDGRAVE to the Washington area. Doug moved from Fort Worth to Washington at the end of Dec 2000.

(Part of the big Texas

Washington?) He has taken a job with Booz Allen, doing DOD contract/ consulting work. Fred FROSTIC also works for Booz Allen, and rumor has it that he was a good contact for Doug. Ed PICKENS is retired (since about two years ago), and Bud says Dick GUILD is still working to make his company, Ramparts Technologies, into the next “overnight success story”.

Bud recendy took a job with the Federal Government working (again) on the Air Staff as a Rated Specialist in the Global Mobility Requirements Division (AF/XORM).

The Air Force is again undergoing a severe pilot shortage and has created about two-dozen civilian positions within AF/XO for former AF pilots/Pentagon veterans. He started in mid-October of last year, and claims to be having fun. “I am impressed with the quality of the young Majors and LtCols I am working with; though they haven’t yet figured out how to take me. I am so old (just achieved a big move to

decade milestone last week) and whenever I talk about combat experiences in Vietnam, I don’t get a connection because it is not something that is within their memory; most of these guys were born in the early ‘60s. I was overheard to say the

other day 'Hell, I was flying airplanes before you were born!’ And in that particular case, I was accurate.” Well, (an editorial comment) that thing (HH-43) Bud flew out of Pleiku really didn’t fly; it just beat the earth into submission.

Bud added some other Class of 1963 news. “On 10 February, we attended a Valentines Day Dinner Dance at the Army-Navy Country Club for ‘63ers from USNA, USMA and USAFA. It was the second annual, and was started last year by some USNA types. It was ‘hosted’ this year by the USMA group and next year will be USAFA’s turn. There were about 75 folks in attendance. Golden Boys and partners that I remember as being there in addition to Ed, Fred, Doug and Dick were Harry WILSON, Dean HESS, Bob VENKUS, Jim BUTT, Gary PFEIFFER, Hank LAVENDER, Barry WALRATH (point man for our contingent), and someone else that I don’t remember. (Is that the first sign or the second sign?) By the way, the Air Force guys closed the joint.” Bud and Joyce have booked passage on the Holland America Gulf of Alaska Inside Passages Tour on 6 Aug. It’s a seven-day package that is roundtrip from Vancouver, up the coast to Skagway, Juneau, and Glacier Bay. Then they are going to spend a few days with their daughter and husband who just moved to Portland, OR last December. I’m looking forward to having lunch with Bud and Joyce as they drive south from Vancouver enroute to Portland.

Denny KING reports his e-mail from friends and family sent in February is lost probably forever. Just in case you have experienced similar problems, here is his st story: “about 1 of Feb, I tried to make a change to my Internet server e-mail (using Oudook Express via MSN.COM rather than Hotmail via MSN.COM). Apparentiy I was able to send under a new setup but not receive. After involving a computer savvy friend and a Dell rep, I learn that Dellnet by MSN is having problems providing Oudook Express and I naturally assumed I fouled up the directions for making the change.

No one knows why mail addressed to Bunknbop@msn.com over the last five days or so has been lost but it has been.

Just in case you sent an e-mail to me or Colleen, we want you to know we are not ignoring you, we did not receive it” Bob KENNEDY writes that Bob PARRA is a member of the Marshall Center Senior Advisory Council. “He is part of a stable of about 20 military officers (former chairman of NATO’s Mil Committee, government officials, former Dutch MOD), that I bring together to test academics, businessmen, etc you get the idea ideas on and pick their brains on the way ahead. So Bob’s in good company. He’s with Price Waterhouse and has been extremely successful. Been trying to get him to come back to one of our reunions. Maybe you can help. His e-mail is —

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bobparra@dhaka.agni.com.”

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

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Thing about it, DifFs office is in one of the newest built in the mid ‘90s.

Bob Hovde 206 Walker Ave.

Huntsville, AL 35801 H (AL): (256) 532-3923/H (TX): (254) 759-0688 O (TX): (254) 867-7092/ Fax: (254) 867-4137 bhovde@sofia.waco.usra.edu or bandshovde@earthlink net Percent Members: 73 th

Guest Scribe: Jon PRENEZ maintains contact for the ‘64 19 Squadron “Playboys” through a newsletter, the “64-19SQ COMM.” The following is a slightly

shortened version of his missive: ‘Harvey and Sheila MANEKOFSKY are proud grandparents of Max, born on 6 June 2000. Since Judy and I are still waiting for our kids to give us grandkids to spoil, Harv and Sheila have volunteered Max to us for spoiling purposes! Harvey and Sheila, congrats! By the way, one of my rich friends just gave his first grandson a pedal-powered BMW for his second birthday. Match that, Grandpa!

‘Mart and Maryanne BUSHNELL’s daughter has started college at Regis in Denver. I understand that all the young men and women there have to wear suits, shirts, and ties of the same iridescent colors, and every quiz has as its last multiple choice: "Is that your final answer?” Sorry. In my dotage, I just couldn’t resist it.

‘Heard from Ron (Tevye) GROWDEN a while back. Seems he’s toying with the idea of doing some professional acting. (Did I get that right, Ron?) Go for it!! It would be nice to know someone famous, especially a Hollywood or Broadway type that could hold wild parties and have women running around with really old, paunchy Playboys in passionate pursuit. Please, Ron, please.

“I guess Jeff GORDON is the only one of our number (19 th Sq) that remains unaccounted for. Any further ideas out there on how we can go about doing a search for him?

‘Keith and Patti LUCHTEL had another grandchild in March 2000. Young Ben is their third. I won’t even reiterate how jealous Judy and I are of you grandmas and grandpas out there; however, our not having any yet must mean that we’re the youngest of the group. Right? Though Keith and Patti didn’t mention it in their note, I take it that they’re using their airmobile regularly enough to be griping about the cost of avgas! Ron GROWDEN call Keith’s daughter Kristina in San Diego. She recently appeared in an independendy-made movie, and might be able to open some producers’ doors for you; however, I don’t even want to hear about any activities you might pursue on a casting room couch not a pretty picture.

"The more-eastern contingents of the Playboys seem to be more adept at getting together than us western types. Jim and Betty SEARS and Frank BARTLETT visited Keith and Patti this past summer and had a great time. I keep telling you the guest guys—we live in a place that’s as close to a resort as we could find bedroom is always open and the wine is always chilled. Just do it!

‘Got an email from Rich BEDARF back a few months. I’m assuming that by now he has finished building his new house and is enjoying retirement. He says that he plans to make the next reunion, wherever and whenever. Right, Rich?

We’re going to hold you to it!

"Trips taken: Keith and Patti LUCHTEL went to the French Riviera, and Keith spent most of his time at the nude beaches, hopefully just as an observer! Brett and Terri DULA went to the Med and the Aegean area for an “Ancient Empires Trek” including Istanbul, Rome, and Athens. Brett gives four stars to a trip to that area for interest and economy (especially Turkey, where the dollar still goes a long way). Judy and I were in Munich for the Oktoberfest in late September. Then we went on a cruise down the Rhine and up the Moselle through the German wine country. Finished the trip with stops in Paris and London, before flying home in true United cattle-car fashion. Economy sucks! The trip was great, but next time, I think I’ll swim over.

‘Jim GRAHAM has been in contact with a 19 th Sq cadet, discussing the Bunny in the tiles of the old Air Power Room in the NW corner of our old Squadron area.

I’m glad we have contact with some of the kids back at the Zoo, and that they appear interested in the history of the Squadron, its people (like us), its traditions, patches, etc. Maybe there is such a thing as continuity. One of the things we noticed when we toured the Squadron area at #35 was a mural on the wall, -

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with a teeny, tiny Playboy bunny shown as a reflection in a helmet visor. Evidently, they have to do things like that to avoid the BS of copyright, etc. Anyway, it was good to see that some traditions hang on, even in a semi-clandestine mancadet that Jim corresponds with also wears on his flight suit one of the mini-patches we sent out to everybody last year. ner. The

We hired a taxi to take us from Aswan to Luxor and stopped off at Edfu along the

Nile. When we came across this falcon, well, we just had to take a picture. Here it is. After Egypt the “kids” backpacked through Asia for three months. Their journals are fun reading. All’s well.” Thanks Bruce and Gail for staying in touch.

“I sent Charlie HOLDER a picture of our group of 12 attendees at #35, and he says that he recognizes me and Ron GROWDEN, but wondered who the rest of the old guys were that we had teamed up with? He made some disparaging comment about Mart looking 60 when we were at USAFA. All I can say to Charlie is: You better not have a paunch or any gray hairs or any wrinkles when we see you at the next get-together (which he promises to make. Right, Charlie?), or you’re

going to take some serious heat!

‘Even JD has gray hairs, but he doesn’t make fun of the rest of us. Mike ROBBINS is now in Ankara, Turkey. Gary GAGNONG, how goes the snake-infested

kayaking?? How can you work for Charlie Stebbins? I remember him as a real hard-ass when I was a doolie. Maybe he’s mellowed?

“That’s about it for the latest version of the Playboy Papers. Here’s hoping this one finds everyone in good health, with lots of loving family around, and a burning desire to get to whatever group activities we can come up with in the near future. As Ron BLISS once said, ‘Ours will always be a special gathering of unique men.’ And as I get older and more reflective, I realize that all of you guys, even though I only see you infrequently, are some of my closest and dearest friends. A toast to the host of men we boast...” So sayeth Jon.

Bruce, Gail, and Nile falcon.

Status report on Hank BONDARUK, Jr: (Jan 19) “The last status letter I wrote was in October. Time for an update. I hope you all had a Merry and Blessed

Christmas and are having a Happy New Year and new millennium! It’s been nine months since my condition was discovered. It may sound repetitious, but it’s sincere. My family and I continue to be humbled by the outpouring of love and prayers. Thank you and God bless you all for it. You can be assured, it makes a difference. My MRI this month three months after treatment stopped revealed “no change” good news to my oncologist. Now we continue with further periodic testing and monitoring (and praying).

‘My application for retirement was approved by Ford and made effective November 1st. It’s with very mixed feelings that I leave Ford. So many good people, so many good memories. As with the people Tillie and I have known and cherished from our Air Force career, our Ford family will be with us in our hearts and minds forever. God bless you all as we have been blessed. Keep us in your prayers as you are in ours. Hank & Tillie.” Thanks Hank and you know we are all pulling for you.

As you know, Steve DINGMAN passed on from cancer on Dec 3rd, 2000. Here’s a letter I got from Steve, dated 19 Sept 00: “...thank you for sharing my need through AOG mail. I have heard from scores of classmates some close friends, some acquaintances, and some that I never really got to know but share their kinship of four challenging years at USAFA. Their kindness to a classmate fighting a battle with the diagnosis of terminal liver cancer is a real encouragement.

The team of surgical/medical oncologists told us they could not operate, radiate, nor use chemotherapy on me due to the nature of my tumors. I went quickly downhill shortly after the diagnosis for about a week and a half. Then one morning the Lord woke me up with an appetite and extra strength. Since that time I have gained 7-8 pounds, and more strength and stamina. I walk a mile each day and am blessed to live in New Mexico so I can get some sunshine everyday...”

Goodbye and thank you, Steve, for reminding us that: “We get by with a little help from our friends.”

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Traveling: Matt FEIERTAG e-mailed about a recent trip to Colorado: "I was just looking at the latest Checkpoints, and decided that I would sit down and update you on recent happenings before everything was stale.’’ [See there, folks. Someone is thinking of your poor old scribe!] Matt continues, “I recently spent a week visiting my son David, who is a chemical engineer in Denver. I had the opportunity to spend a wonderful afternoon with Jim and Barb HERMANSON and brought back two pictures. I also spent a few hours at USAFA and was there to watch the noon meal formation march to Mitchell Hall. I still get a thrill!

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MUCH better on the eyes!

“As part of the Class History project that Bill DICKEY, Usto SCHULTZ and I are working on, I have received a copy of the ’64 e-mail addresses that the AOG has.

I will be sending out a test e-mail within the next month. Please [everyone] tell our classmates that if they have not received an e-mail from me, it is because the address that the AOG has is not current, or they do not have one, and they should send me an e-mail ASAP, so that I can add them to the address list. Also, please remind them that every time they change e-mail addresses, they need to let me (and the AOG) know about it. [Ed. Note: You have to change the e-mail address in the AOG blind e-mail system separately.]

‘On a personal note, I am being downsized. My company is going to outsource most of the legal work, and our jobs will end 6/30.1 have decided this is the time to pick up and find a job I can enjoy, so I am going to try to put my administrative, personnel, and aviation operations experience together and find an administration-type job with an airport or some other type of aviation-related industry. If anyone knows of anything out there, please let me know,” Matt.

The End: That’s what we professional writers call it when we can’t think of anything more to write. Keep those electrons moving!

Rick Zurbrugg Box 22615

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

(843) 689-5321 FAX: (843) 689-5403 E-mail: ezurb@mindspring.com Percent members: 73

Hello ‘65!

Let’s open up with seasoned travelers Bruce and Gail GROSSETTA: “...lastyear, Gail and I, plus daughter and son-in-law did a do-it-yourself 10 days in Egypt.

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Retirement and Farewell Ceremony for USAFA Superintendent Lt Gen Tad J. Oelstrom, with, from left, Mike Short, Fred Boli, Tad Oelstrom, Tom Owens, and Lionel Luxich. Picture courtesy Mrs. Mamie M. Burke, OCJCS via Tom Owens California Dreaming: Your humble scribe had the good fortune to visit daughter and her men in San Francisco last month, but what great fun to go out once

again and have some dinner with classmates, Warren LANGLEY and my ol’ 21st Squadron buddy Ronald Rocco Joseph AICALE, who invited us to his gorgeous home in Orinda. Roc and Patty’s son Vincent has the dazzling charm of both of his parents and is an emerging high school golf star.

I’ll close on a sad note. The AOG just sent me notification that Bob EVANS died last year of cancer. If the date was correct, it happened in February 2000; so the notice was delayed. I remember Bob from his days in 17 th Squadron, down the

hall from us on the sixth floor. He spent most of his Air Force career in the Intelligence business and was working for Lockheed in the Washington, DC area when he died. We’ll remember Bob and the rest of our departed classmates (40 in all) at the reunion in September.

I’ve got one more article to write before the reunion; so don’t wait until then to

give us an update on what you’re doing. Send me a card or e-mail, or I’ll have to start making up stories about you again. Until next time.. .Happy Landings!

Larry Wilson 13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE

Albuquerque, NM 87111 Home: (505) 291-8949

Warren and Ann Tonkin Langley and theZ’s at Garibaldi’s. (Thanks Warren and Ann for the pleasure of your company.)

Work: (505) 816-2092/DSN: 246-2404 E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

flip

Percent members: 66

Greetings folks, and Happy Springtime. As I compose this, there is snow blowfrom ing in Albuquerque, even as the buds are showing on the bushes. And —

conversation with the parents of a current doolie

this is considered the “Dark Days” or some such thing at the AFA—NOT the Dark Ages, as in our era, which —

must have had some P un-C meaning. Anyhow, it apparently precedes a three-

day Hell Week (yes, I know—WHIT and these weenies do not). And it includes a variety of spirit and camaraderie inspiring activities, all of which sound pretty lame to me. Ah well. Kids these days. Enough of that: I have input from a number of folks, from a variety of quadrants. So aawaaaayyyy we go!

First, I had a couple of contacts from Ray LEOPOLD, still working for Motorola and living in Phoenix but who had recently wisely purchased a getaway in the we’re at Northern Tier: “We signed a contract for a second home in Montana the northern edge of Kalispell, about halfway to Whitefish. We plan to use it as a respite from the Arizona summers, and as a winter playground at Christmas time.

I was surprised to learn that the Big Mountain at Whitefish is second to Vail in ski area... I’m finding it hard to believe that a kid who grew up in the city of Chicago is about to own a barn, a corral, a small tractor, and four acres in alfalfa! (There’s a house, too.)” Poor Ray he had first tried to find suitable property in North Dakota, but the primo ski areas there are soooo crowded and overpriced that he was forced to settle for what he could get in Montana where men are men and sheep run fast. some info that is a bit dated (due to my having misfiled From Tom KIRWIN it) but is still good stuff. He spent some time in Denver a while back and his wife, a first for Tom, who admits to having Sherry, spent a few days in Estes Park “...never made it past the bars in Denver and Boulder as a cadet...” While in DenWalt was at that time recovering ver they had seen Walt and Linda VISINSKY from neck surgery. Tom was working for Bank of America and his wife for JusticeLink. In his spare time, Tom is a student in the Master of Liberal Arts program at Southern Methodist University And another delayed input, from Michael THOMPSON: "Life is exciting! On a rain-chilled, gusty and cumuliform dark day, Debbie and I were sailing near our home on south Puget Sound. To our amazement, a six-foot bald eagle emerged from a cloud, and using our mast as a locus, spiraled to within 25 feet of the masthead! We were thrilled as our youngest, Donielle, along with three other UCLA freshmen, one junior and two seniors, won the NCAA Division 1 National Championships in Women’s Gymnastics! Then off to NYC where we watched son Brandon graduate from NYU/Tisch on the stage of Carnegie Hall! The last two commencement speakers: Alec Baldwin and Billy Crystal! Visited with AFA roommate Mike PULASKI. He lives in New Orleans and is the founding partner of a group of 50 lawyers who represent Ford and Hyundai. His hobbies include flying his Ferrari to European races and captaining his motor yacht in the Gulf! Tough life!”

Mike and Tom (and to any others of you whose letters or messages I may have lost) thanks for your info, and I apologize for the delay in getting it to print. one of our number who We have a “featured classmate” (sort of) this month long ago determined to travel to a different drummer. Following our tour of arduous duty on BCT in the summer of ‘66 he and I hopped into my Corvette and traveled together on a mini-Route 66 adventure. Later in our first class year he I had not heard of him since. Then opted out and perhaps like many of you out of the blue (or whatever color electrons are considered to be) came communication from Warren Smith (whom some of you may have known, as I did, as see below...). Here is his ‘Buddy” or even another unmentioned nickname fascinating update (merged from two messages): “As you may remember, I left shortly before graduation after expressing some doubts about Vietnam. Actually, what got me in trouble was expressing in our counterinsurgency warfare class the opinion that it might be a good idea to try to understand the complaints of the insurgents. No doubt, that’s not all there was to it; I was also disappointed at my uninteresting USAF assignment (OSI). Like you all I spent four years there —

Former wing handball doubles champions (Rocco Aicale, scribe, and babes, Patty and Jo) on Roc’s balcony overlooking the Orinda Hills. (Thanks Roc for your gracious hospitality.)

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A picture is worth a thousand words; my allotment is up.

Hey Bruce WOOD, when do we have that Southeastern golf outing? I apologize to anyone whose communication has not been included in this column. Scribe struggling with two computers but please stay connected. Be well, do good work, and keep in touch!

Rick

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myai#

Ryan Denny 1635 Mary Todd Lane O’Fallon, IL 62269 Home: (618) 624-4255

Work: (314) 232-4180 E-mail: ryanden@aol.com Percent members: 73

Greetings, Redtags!

sit

I was talking the other day to a civilian friend of mine,

whose son is a 3 rd Classman at USAFA. He said that his son was doing fine, made it through the first year and a half, but was suffering through that long period of

My civilian friend said that they even had a for that long, boring time they called it the “Dark Ages.” It looks like there are a few things left unchanged at the old place.

I guess that most of you must have been hibernating in your own Dark Ages during the last few months, because the news has been pretty sparse. I did get email from a young man out in California who had just bought a 1965 Corvette and wondered if I knew who it had belonged to. His assumption was that most of the Corvettes made during the late ‘60s had been sold to USAFA cadets and this one must have belonged to one of us. I told him that Chevrolet had also made my little red Corvair, but he wasn’t interested.

Mike BLAIR is still living the wilderness life in Anchorage, and gets up to his little cabin on the Kenai as often as he can. His wife, Judy, sends regular reports on the depth of the snow, the brightness of the stars, and the all the news about Arctic animals that I used to have to get from the Discovery channel. After a week of Program Management Reviews, the life in Alaska sounds pretty inviting.

Bruce TORO is enjoying a little warmer life in Orange CA, where he is the senior VP of an engineering firm and responsible for all of their highway and bridge work in the western part of the United States. Bruce says that, while the rest of us were freezing on New Year’s Eve, he played golf in sunny California but even year-round golf hasn’t improved his score.

The “usual suspects” in Colorado are busy organizing our 35 th Reunion. Everyone should have gotten two or three notices, announcements, and letters begging for money by now. It’s going to be 26 30 September, and the reunion committee is planning another great event for all of us. They have a couple of great ideas for a Class of‘66 gift, so dig into your rich, retired pockets and donate some money for the cause. I hope they get some better quality golf shirts this time.

The last ones I got shrunk three sizes just hanging in my closet. time between Christmas and May. name

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Class of 1966

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35th Reunion

USAFA vs. SDSU (away)

26-30 September 2001

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trying not to get kicked out and had no intention of quitting until I actually did...

I always thought I’d reestablish contact somehow but it never happened until

George (Van WAGENEN) turned me up.

‘Needless to say, my life took a considerably different course (from most of yours) after I left USAFA and the USAF. For one thing, until I recently took up soaring I’d never satisfied the flying dream. After USAFA I went to Aspen and then San Francisco where I was married for awhile (now I’m single). I went to Europe and North Africa and ended up in Amsterdam. From there by bus to Afghanistan for $90, and then on to Nepal where I lived for 10 years (1971-82) and helped build Shangboche airstrip for the Hotel Everest View at 12,300' near the base of Everest. I was the first flight-in-charge there and have many stories of rides in the Pilatus Porter around Everest. I also made a relief map of the Everest

region for the hotel.

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In 1985 I was contracted by the Nepal National Planning Commission to construct a relief map of Nepal (7’x 21') for an exhibition accompanying the corona-

tion of King Birendra. I later worked as a building contractor for UNDP/FAO, with a crew of Sherpa carpenters, building warden’s quarters, guards quarters and a tourist lodge at Rara National Park (10,000'), two tourist lodges at Langtang National Park (12,700') and an agricultural research station at Jumla, Karnali. In 1982 I studied Chinese at the University of Inner Mongolia and then traveled to

Tibet. From 1983-84,1 studied Tibetan history and politics at Dharamsala, India.

I returned to the U.S. in 1985 and received a Masters (1989) and PhD (1995) in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. In 1996 my dissertation was published by Westview Press as “Tibetan Nation: A History of Tibetan Nationalism and Sino-Tibetan Relations.” I currendy work with the Tibetan Service of Radio Free Asia.

“I got involved in the Tibetan political issue while in Nepal. I’ve been to Tibet four times (last time in November) and studied Tibetan politics in Dharamsala, India. I went back to school specifically to pursue the Tibetan political issue. Now I work with 33 Tibetans in D.C. broadcasting anti-Chinese propaganda into Tibet,

courtesy of you and the other American taxpayers (most of whom would probably be at least surprised and perhaps appalled to know about it). Radio Free Asia is created and funded by Congress but set up outside the government as a NGO, like Radio Free Europe. So, my job is to conduct psychological warfare against China about Tibet. Actually, we’re supposed to do only objective news, but even objective news about Tibet is offensive to China. I love my job and I suppose I’m satisfied with the turn my life took when I left USAFA. Still, I’ve always wondered what it was like for those of you who went on in USAF careers, or in whatever you did.

Anybody who’d like to reply, please do. I’m Warren now, not Buddy, and definitely not “Wedge” (that nickname was the bane of my existence at USAFA).”

For those of you who are so inclined, the e-mail address is smithw@rfa.org.

ing a little golf and a lot of work but, without receiving an actual update, that is just a guess. OK, Fred, how ‘bout a little news!

Tom and Lindy MCDANIEL reported a good 2000 with two principal highlights —

the birth of granddaughter Sarah Jordan and the graduation of son Michael

from VMI last May. Michael now has a job with British Aerospace in the Wash-

ington, DC area. Tom noted that he made an unsuccessful bid for City Council of Williamsburg, VA, but learned quite a bit about himself and the “town folk.”

Better luck next time, Tom.

I received a short e-mail from Cecille Castro, who wrote that she is still in San Jose, CA. She is working at the Westin Hotel in Santa Clara, CA and her son FJ, and her youngest daughter are also living with her. She said to give her best

regards to the Class of ’68 for the season.

Thanks go out to Bill WOOD, again, this year for sending me copies of classmates’ annual newsletters. At their abode, Katie and he remain “energy challenged” between hours at work and sizable driving distances. Bill was the Capture Manager for a Raytheon project during the year, while Katie served as an information systems trainer for “computer-illiterate” Citicorp employees. A highth light for 2000 was a 30 Anniversary honeymoon to Ireland and England at the end of the summer. News of their kids show Dennis in his sophomore year at CU Boulder in Information Systems; Aimee in Minneapolis with four roommates and working as a senior analyst involved in “due diligence;” Rob and Jill in Whidby Island, WA where Rob is an Electronic Warfare Officer at the Replacement Air Group; and Will and Lisa in Highlands Ranch, CO where Will is a captain on Continental Express and Lisa is with Aetna.

thanks for catching us up.

In January my wife and I had occasion to travel to Portland, OR to attend to

Warren/Buddy/whatever some

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unpleasant family matters. Hoping to inject some fun into the trip, I made

contact with Lex PAGE, my old OSI etc. buddy, who lives there (again). Smartest

thing I’ve done in a long time. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time playing, dining very well, getting soaked in the Oregon winter, touring Oregon vineyards and sampling their products, and generally catching up. I don’t know that we ever finally agreed on whose was the more egregious OSI career or on many other that had not changed too much.... But I think we agreed it was a grand things time. And we hope to play together again. Maybe next time we’ll even remember to take a photo to memorialize the event and to display to you all how we haven’t changed a bit.

Time for me to wrap this up, so I can get it to the AOG on time (for a change!).

Please keep those cards, letters, and e-mails coming in. Contact the web site at www.aog-usafa.org/1967/ and/ or Victoria LENNE at digidezl@home.com.

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Happy trails to you all.

Memories of Russ Voris —A Classmate, Friend, and Patriot.

I received a very special letter from Mike CRYER, who took the time to pen a

tribute to Russ VORIS after finding a picture of his dear friend amongst some Tim Davidson 9712 Hidden Valley Road

Vienna, VA 22181-6094 (703) 255-5313/Work: (301) 299-1610 Fax: (703) 255-5377 E-mail: timd@erols.com Percent members: 66

photos of days gone by. As many of you are aware, Russ was killed in his OV-10 on a combat mission in Southeast Asia.

The title of Mike’s piece is “Russ Wasn’t My Friend, He Was My Brother” and demonstrates Mike’s free expression of affection and respect for a classmate whose bond from our time together at USAFA still resonates today as a vibrant and living force within him. Mike’s thoughts on paper reflect the very essence of our own mortality and articulate a virtual circle of existence. Regardless of our ultimate stations in life, we are all connected.

God bless us, everyone.

HELLO‘68! And, HELLO‘01! Ahearty congratulations to USAFA’s 43 rd graduth ating class from USAFA’s legendary 10 class! Live long, prosper, and don’t forget

to keep the noise down as your elders catch a few catnaps between reruns of the

History Channel and “Survivor.”

CONVENTIONS R US DEPT: I received a nice note from Charlie COOLIDGE

(vice commander of Air Materiel Command) who passed on a Kodak moment of some of our gang found loitering around an Air Force photographer at the Airlift Tanker Association National Convention last November. Ed EBERHART and Tony ROBERTSON were headliners as keynote speakers of the event. Thanks for your note and photo, Charlie.

‘68er conquers St. Andrews—Mike Cryer with golf club.

Mike also sent a short note with a bunch of happy photos of family and grand-

children. I chose this one to represent a life event for one of our own at St. Andrews Golf Course. Happy trails, Mike; and thank you for taking the time to remember.

Courtesy of Bill WOOD, Bill and Dee Ann MAYWHORT write of a year filled with many momentous occasions. For starters, Dee Ann went on an eight-day, “girls-only” Christmas shopping trip to Austria and Germany. Bill writes that ‘68ers at the Airlift Tanker Association National Convention. From left are Stu Thompson, Tony Roberston, Carl McPherson, Bobby Floyd, Jay Barnes, EdEberhart, and Charlie Coolidge.

YEAR-END HOLIDAY “BREAKING NEWS” DEPT: As a result of your faithful

holiday correspondence, Lisa and I received a bountiful harvest of greetings and well wishes to begin the New Year. Thanks, classmates and spouses; we really appreciate hearing from you.

Headlines from Centerville, VA showed that our very own John LONGENECKER marched down the aisle on 1 Dec with a special lady named Joyce. Congratulations, J & J! My favorite “non-pictured” classmate, Fred GROSS, sent a card with his name on it so I know he is alive. As to what he is actually doing, I am assum

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Dee Ann’s plans for 2001 include a trip to Ireland, but this time boys can come,

Bill and Dee Ann are building a log cabin near Twin Lakes, CO (about 125 miles west of Denver at 9,600 feet altitude). The effort should be finished sometime during the early summer of 2001. While working with the National Lawyers Association, Bill managed to run into fellow-member Ken Starr at a meeting in Kansas City last August. Their daughter Andrea moved from L.A. to San Frana Dot Com company. Their son Blair cisco and is working for “User Interface” remains in L.A. at International Creative Management where he is a video librartoo.

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ian with aspirations of screen writing.

Brooke and Cathy BAILEY checked in with news from Wilmington, NC. Their beautiful daughter Liz was married to Brent Bundon (a Victoria, British Colum-

bia native) last October. The wedding and reception were held at chez Bailey in the freshly landscaped back yard. Bob and Thuy JOHNSTON and I had the opportunity to serve as witnesses to the event and had a wonderful time. Brooke is still flying as captain for United Airlines on the Airbus 320 out of New York. While Brooke slips the surly bonds of earth, Cathy stays quite busy with her Doncaster clothing line and held nine shows last year with her sister, Barbara.

IWw

Lindsey Parris 616 King’s Cloister Circle Alexandria, VA 22302 Home: (703) 914-5608

E-mail: 102177.1033@compuserve.com Percent members: 66

w Summer’s greetings to all. And, my Brothers, may your stock portfolios be on the mend.

Continuing to grow old? Are most of your “dates” with ladies in the 50-year-old age bracket (an observation Jon BEAR offered recently after a POAC workout, noting the disdain we collectively held, only yesterday it seems, for those who dated ladies over 35)? If so, then consider yourself lucky. And, please know that Dave YOST, Chairman and CEO of AmeriSource Health Corporation, is still in your corner. His smiling face inside the latest annual report announces condnued successes and growth along with continued accretion of shareholder value.

If you buy from Chain Drugstores, Medicap Pharmacies, Pathmark, Brookshire

Brothers, or AmeriSource’s own Independent Community Pharmacies, then you

"Thanksgiving Reunion at the University of Wisconsin" or “Jen Parker and Stephen Vihel Flanking Two Old Guys. From left are Jen and Jim Parker and Richard and Stephen Vihel.

My second semester Doolie roommate, Jim PARKER, sent a photo of the Parker”

Vihel reunion at the University of Wisconsin in Madison (UWM). You may remember that Jim discovered his daughter Jen and Richard’s son Stephen were both attending UWM from the article printed on Richard in the class column. As a result, Jim contacted Richard and they had their first reunion since 1968 over

might consider buying a piece of the company.

Even after all the years that have passed since his death, Ron BOND continues to touch the lives of people in his hometown of Haddonfield, N. J. In February, the high school renamed its wrestling room in Ron’s honor, complete with his rank, as the accompanying picture proclaims. Gone, but indeed not forgotten.

the Thanksgiving holiday.

Jim retired from the FBI in 1998 and currently works in a variety of jobs: doing background investigations for the FBI; as a guard for the U.S. Marshal’s Service; as a substitute middle school teacher; and as a referee for high school and youth sports. His main conveyance around town is a Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 to “help him weather his mid-life crisis." Jim’s wife, Janice, is an RN at the UWM Hospital. She works in the oncology and hematology unit. Jim’s oldest daughter, Anne, graduated from UWM in 1999 and is currently living in the L.A. suburbs.

‘68

SPOTLIGHT The Captain Ronald L. Bond Wrestling Room at Haddonfield High, New Jersey.

Mike and Charlene Burgamy at the USAFA Academy Club.

The ’68 Spodight for the Spring 2001 column falls on Mike BURGAMY. Armed with a BS in engineering management from USAFA, Mike spent his four years in the Air Force at HQ Aerospace Defense Command as a computer systems ana-

lyst. He then had a range of work experiences as a real estate broker from 1972 to 1974; the chief financial officer of Star Aviation Corporation in Denver from 1974 to 1976; the president of CGS Distributing, Inc. in Denver, which dealt with whole-

sale distribution of lawn and garden supplies, from 1976 to 1994; the president of Perky-Pet Products Company in Denver, which manufactures bird feeders and related supplies, from 1991 to 1998; and, finally, president of Colibri Holding Corporation in Denver, which is a holding corporation for outdoor living companies Perky Pet Products Company of Denver, CO; California Plastic Products, Inc. ofTustin, CA; and Yule-Hyde Associates, Inc. of Toronto, Canada. Mike also has a number of non-vocational activities including: board member of Fresh Start, Inc.; president, Board of Trustees for the Stanley British Primary School; director, Colorado Business Bank N.A.; director, CoBiz, Inc.; and member, Bard Center for Entrepreneurship Development.

When asked what the Academy meant to him, Mike responded, “The Academy was the defining period in my life. The friendships that resulted from enduring bonds formed during the Academy years are still the relationships I treasure most today. The downside to deep friendships are losses of friends like Ted HALLENBECK, Marty EGGERT, and John WATKINS in the prime of their lives.”

When asked about life lessons to pass along, Mike said, “Never give up the quest for knowledge or the desire to make our world a better place. Success in life, for me, has been persistence and recognizing opportunities. Having the confidence to act once opportunities are evident has been the success formula for me. Most important is to recognize there are always more valuable lessons to be learned from failure than success.”

Mike and Charlene are planning to build a retirement home in the Virgin Islands and have invited all to come on down for a future reunion. Thanks for sharing your life and vision, Mike.

THAT’S A WRAP DEPT: Mind the flak, keep 'em flying, and keep those cards, letters, and photos coming in. Ciao for now. Tim —

Missing your ’69 Polaris? As announced here before, we are trying to make it possible for those of you who have misplaced your yearbook permanently to acquire a replacement. Les DYER, who recently reunited Skip DALY with a vintage Polaris (compliments of Joe BOYLES, ’70), is the keeper of the list, so contact him (habu@mindspring.com) with requests and names of potential donors/ sellers if you need help. (‘69 Class thanks to Joe!) Dan THOMAS just celebrated the 20th anniversary of founding his company, FOCUS. Congratulations to Dan for his seminal work in helping corporate leaders develop effective business and corporate strategies. Dan and Jeannie continue to thrive, and when not running FOCUS, anchor the San Francisco Bay area against the overindulgences of dot.com-unism.

It is always a pleasure to hear from ‘69ers from whom I haven’t heard in a while, so it was good to receive an e-mail from A1 HUNT, who has been “stuck” in California since graduation and in Santa Barbara since 1975. He worked with a defenseoriented think tank for many years, and in 1993 started his own company doing research and analysis in the area of security and law enforcement, with a largely public-sector client base. He and his company are developing a wideband radar for use in detecting weapons concealed on individuals at distances of up to 20 feet (with the National Institute of Justice as client) or, in a different configuration, constructing a stylized, detailed picture of a building’s insides (with SWAT teams everywhere as potential users). A1 and Kathy have a daughter studying bioengineering at UC San Diego and a son getting ready to go to college and study physics. More empty nesting. A1 keeps in touch with Joe HASEK and Roger BAILEY. Joe is in Mississippi, where he practices medicine and writes. Roger is still “lost” in New Jersey, which he has used as a home base while he works in Dallas, Austin, McLean and tries to figure out how to affect a return to California. Most of Roger’s recent experience has been in the operations side of the systems integration business with telecommunications being an important element of his focus. A1 was musing about the whereabouts of Bob VARNER anyone have a clue?

In the news again, and continuing to improve mission safety for our men and women on the tip of the sword, is Charlie WEINERT, whose “Head Up Display and Vision System” has been granted Patent 6163309 by the U.S. Patent Office.

Part of the text: “... will specifically bring the mission-critical cues to the operator in an effective manner and permit open delivery of the critical mission data, human factors design, integration, and open systems architecture necessary to effectively improve every operator’s knowledge of current threats to mission suecess, safety, and survivability, and allow operators to more effectively complete critical navigation and other operational goals in the most difficult operational —

conditions.” Kudos, Charlie.

Jerry BALL reports that Dick “Discus” DOYLE had escaped temporarily from his hardship teaching job at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey to deliver lectures at the National Academy of Strategy and Political Studies in Santiago, Chile. With no English-speaking news channels, he was media-hype deprived at election time, but he compensated for it with trips to the coast, the Andes, and to a government-owned facility that manufactures aircraft parts. Dick says the food is excellent and inexpensive, the metro clean, fast, and cheap, and the noise and traffic generated by Santiago’s four million inhabitants forbidding. The Andes, of course, are espectacular.

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Ron LOVE surprised me with a copied edition of our graduation Checkpoints, featuring Lt. Gen. Moorman and John MARTIN on the cover. Were we ever, really, that young? Ron offers that Terry ANDERSON is working in pupil information management systems for the Delaware Department of Education, by which Ron is also employed. Ron serves as the state president of the AFA and works on supporting the AMC Museum. Son Jared is with First Union in Charlotte, Anne studying wildlife ecology and running track at University of Maine, and balletic Sara contemplating college choices. Ron and Gayle will soon join the ever-increasing ranks of empty nesting ‘69ers.

Randy WALTI is still vice president and general counsel of Unigraphics Solutions, Inc. in St. Louis, the leading supplier of CAD/CAM software. Randy and Lynn will relocate to the West Coast soon with the change in locations of corporate headquarters. Son Chris is excelling in the Univ of Illinois’ electrical and computer engineering curriculum. Randy and Lynn are both working long hours, but took some dynamite vacations last year to compensate.

Harry EVANS bounced back from a second knee surgery to run the Great Race a thrill his 10K with daughter Kate and enjoyed the thrill of it all over again

finishing a master’s in social work at FSU, hopes to apply massage therapy and yoga in a psychotherapy format, and Mark has started a new business in Oakland capitalizing on his experience in computer animation for architecture. The smiling clan is pictured, with pups. Who said Gobis don’t sprout wings?

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knee continued to remind him of for the next three weeks. This extended to dancing with Kate at her wedding to the Beatles “In My Life,’’ a song which now takes

additional meaning! Harry and Karen and both their daughters live in the Pittsburgh area.

In recent months, I’ve had the pleasure of drinking or dining with several of the Class, including Chips AMBROSE and WOOD, Tom KECK, Jeffs GRIME and POSNER, and Don RAKESTRAW. Chip A captains for Delta, lives in Northern Virginia, and with “kneesles” similar to Harry’s (and mine, and others) is contemplating the verities of life with cartilage-free knee joints; wife, Carol, works human resources matters for the city of Falls Church. Chip W lives in Punta Gorda; his consulting business thrives, finds him traveling widely, and leaves far too litde on

time for him and Barbara on their sailboat. Tom KECK, at Barksdale with his everable partner Karen, keeps 8th AF on the straight and narrow. The Jeffs and Strawman work together Jeff G (and wife, Julie) and Don in Northern Virginia and Jeff P (and wife, Anne) out of Las Vegas sharing passions for motorcars and broad-ranging consulting with a defense focus. I suspect Jeff P is the class record—

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holder for ownership of vintage autos, which he purchased when they were available back when and has maintained ever since (among his stable are a Bugeye Sprite, an original Shelby Cobra, and a ‘75 Carrera). Don is pictured relaxing on Miami’s boardwalk during a recent business trip, working on his latest entrepreneurial idea, and trying to answer the age-old debate: “would you like that shaken, or stirred?” You’ll note his unicycle in the background, along with the enthralled onlookers and where is Wildcat PHILLIPS when we need him!

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Desserts at home: Kristin, Mark, JoEllen, and angel-winged Don. Looking for something a little different to accent your upcoming summerslam party? Try a sampling from A1 MCCREE, who has just released two new CDs of wonderfully patriotic music though his company Altissimo! A “Patriotic Salute to the Military Family” and “Spirit of America,” the latter by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, will take you back to the days of the Boston Tea Party.

And, of course, Sam Adams.

Finally, ‘69s stars keep coming! Congrats to Brigadier General-select Charlie BALDWIN, AF Chaplain extraordinaire, who will become one of only two chaplain general officers. With his experience as a rescue helicopter pilot in Southeast Asia, Charlie can continue his tradition of rescuing souls in trouble from on high, this time as a man of the cloth.

May your summer solstice be extravagant and active. The 35th is but three years away. Start practicing now. Cheers. Lindsey Dick Rauschkolb 14640 River Oaks Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80921

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Home: (719)487-0887

Work: (719) 472-0300/DSN: 333-2067 E-mail: Dick.Rauschkolb@USAFA.AF.MIL Percent members: 68

Hey Seventy! By the time you read this, summer will be here and my sandbagger classmates will have their “tournament handicaps” established. Unfortunately, as I write this in mid-March, I am staring out my window at a blizzard and contemplating the prospect of spending the afternoon shoveling out my driveway. Hard to believe it was 61 two days ago. The joys of living in Colorado!

Made my annual trek to the Wing Open last week. Was checking the program and saw the following names of classmates: Ken ALBRIGHT, Rudy ARAGON, Hank KAISER, Dorsey BATTLES, Charlie LONGNECKER, and John VANDERPOEL Wing Champions all. Haven’t heard from many of these men in years. If you’re reading this, send me a note and let your classmates know about your present status. We remain proud of your accomplishment in the ring over three decades ago. “Three decades”—that sort of catches in your throat doesn’t it!

Doolies are getting ready for Recognition next week—yes “Hell 42 Hours” is now in mid-March. You might think the place is going to hell, but I prefer to think of it as “enlightened leadership.” Did those last two months of living under the fourthclass system really make us better people? Congrats to Bill and Connie BENEDICT’S son Connor, Joe and Joanne’s YORK’S son Chris, and Brendan and Linda O’SULLIVAN’S son Luke, for reaching the first major milestone in their cadet careers. Nothing better than getting recognized! Unless it's enjoying one’s 30th Reunion as this group of revelers can attest!

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Entrepreneurial Don Rakestraw at work.

And, not to be outdone by Don, we have out in Hawaii on business none other than Steve KIRBY, who had the difficult task of trying to keep Arnold Palmer happy.

Pictured are Steve’s brother Scott, the Man His Own Self, and Steve. With Steve away for this event, and Roy COPPINGER with Mike BEEZLY skiing, no wonder

equity markets tumbled.

Rowdy Group Takes over Antlers. From left are Marilyn Rauschkolb, The Phantom, Bill Benedict, Chuck Weir, Wild Bill Stealey, Tommy and Cookie Thompson.

Steve Kirby (left) offering golf tips to brother Scott and Arnie himself DESSERT “Gobi” Don and JoEllen write that all goes swimmingly in Nashville,

he as director of Parts and Service for Flash Technology, a strobe light manufacturer that installs and services the aviation obstruction lights on telecommunications towers, and she working on finishing a master’s in tax. Daughter Kristin

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Kudos to Jay BARRY. Jay was recently selected for his second star. He is the IMA to the commander of AETC. This promotion is richly deserved—Jay has given his heart and soul to the Air Force for many years. Chris has provided

magnificent support as Jay juggled two careers. Congratulations to you both!

Greg WOODHEAD checked in to tell me that Greg MARTIN recently retired Jim

Hopefully, Jim will send a picture of Congratulations on a great career Jim. Speaking of here is a great pix of Dave and Kathy MACGHEE enjoying our Reunion

long after we are all gone. Is there a better legacy? It is a proven fact that a handful of men will provide over 90 percent of the remaining frmds that we need. We are looking for a few good men are you out there? We really need your contribution.

ANDREWS in a ceremony at the Pentagon. the ‘70 men who attended.

GO’s festivities.

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TRIVIA:

Duane SCHULKE sent the picture in the last issue.

Tim KINNAN, Duane, and Gordon KING climbed the hills behind USAFA for this great shot.

Duane is currently in Marietta, GA working on the F-22. John LENIHAN said Duane was Ed RASHID no cigars for John. This issue’s question who beat —

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golf announcer and U.S. Amateur Champion, Steve Melnick, in a head-to-head golf match at USAFA? Hope you all have a great summer. Let's hope Gregg POPOVICH is leading his Spurs to another NBA championship as you read this. Hit that ball straight, drive safely, and keep those e-mails and pictures coming. Falcons open with Oklahoma in Sept start thinking football. Arriba Falcones!

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Paul D. Knott 5565 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80915

Ilf

Home:(719) 570-9162 Work (719) 481-9400 E-mail: pknott@acninc.net Percent members: 51 We aren’t Getting Older

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IT

We are Getting Better!

Hold on to your hats seems Wild Bill STEALEY was here in April to guest lecture on the “art of sandbagging” for the management dept. Only kidding about the cadets really enjoyed his lecture. It subject! Congratulations to Wild Bill was great to share some time with Bill and Denise and take the Great One for a few sheckles on the links. Here’s a pix of John LIPP and girlfriend Janet, in that ’92 968 Porsche mentioned in the last issue.

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We are rapidly approaching 9 June, 2001; the 30 th anniversary of the date when 691 of us went out of Falcon Stadium with dreams of conquering the world, or at

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least making our part of it better. From what I’ve seen and heard from you guys, we have done our share.

One of the more recent examples is Bill COLEMAN. He

and Claudia donated $250 million dollars to the University of Colorado in honor

of his nephew. The money will help develop computer programs that can help physically challenged kids connect with the world. This is just another example of how we as a class apply our motto to our lives.

I mentioned that Bob DROWLEY stopped by the office last fall. Enclosed is a photo that documents his son Michael’s wedding day. I cleverly hid this on my computer where I lost it until about a week after deadline. Thanks again, Bob, for the photo.

Riding High,—John and Janet enjoying the finer things in life.

Ken GREENE will be out here in June to commission a graduating cadet. There

is no higher honor, folks. Wish Ken’s middle son was attending USAFA—he had 31 on the ACT and wants to major in aerospace engineering.

Despite Ken’s best

efforts, it looks like he is Kansas bound. Hopefully, Joe MCCLELLAND will have better luck. His son Chris is primed to apply this year. Chip TERRILL e-mailed to express his regret over not being able to attend the Reunion. Seems in his position as a judge he had to make a major decision relating to the L.A. area refined the largest in the world. If you live in California and are petroleum market well you know whom to blame. Poor experiencing increased energy prices excuse for missing the Reunion Chip! We expect you and Wild Wood to be leading us in cheers in ‘05.

Heard from some former fellow preppies in addition to Ken and Chip. On a sad note, one of our former TIs, Bob Miller, has cancer. Keep him in your prayers. thanks to Kdee and daughters keeping him on the Ken HASSEN is doing great go. Rick HUMKE e-mailed from India in the midst of a major earthquake. He was enjoying some adult beverages as buildings collapsed around him you gotta do what you gotta do. Ward BEIGHTOL checked in from his new digs on a golf course in Tampa. He is already working on his game for the next Reunion.

Seems the stock market has been kind to him. Rich MANDAS also dropped me a seems US Air was underline from Ohio apologizing for missing the Reunion —

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The Three Captains Plus One: Mike, Janie, Nancy, and Bob Drowley.

As Reunion gets closer, more of you are thinking about showing up, which is part

it has happened to him many times in his career. I bet he doesn’t gag on those

of the anticipation. Georges HOULE was nice enough to send a short note. “Obviously I retired in ‘91. Spent some time being me, on the Faculty of Kansas Newman University for a few years, did some consulting, even went back to Rhode Island to be with family and the family business. Could not stay out of aviation. Back to Wichita, where I retired to work with Cessna. I am responsible for our supply base on the newest Citation model business jet we are developing—The Sovereign. We should have all the suppliers selected in another year and then go into building the test articles and prototypes. We will certify it in another three years. Most of the time it is fun to be back in the new airplane development business.

‘My wife, Lynda, helps me stay happy. She also helps me fulfill the nickname Gramps’ that Ray NIEMEC and the lacrosse guys gave me. Our blended kids have blessed us with 12 grandchildren with the 13th due in Nov. They are spread in Nebraska, California and Washington. We have attended the service Academy game every year depending on where we lived. Obviously, this year we are planning to be in the Springs in a few weeks. Hope to run into some friends. We have empty rooms if anybody comes out to McConnell or to visit any of the airplane manufacturers in this Air Capital of the world.”

J.D. McBRIETY attended the year 2000’s foremost social event, and passed on

we are proud of you! John pesky three-footers like I do! Great work DK POMROY called me inquiring about a USAFA tour for a relative interested in attending USAFA. Unfortunately, with all the spending cuts tours are not available on weekends and very few are given during the week in the off-tourist season.

The Admissions office does a good job of giving youngsters tours if they are at least juniors in high school. see below. John John LENIHAN attempted a stab at last issue’s trivia quiz has an OB-GYN practice in Tacoma and Cindy has been a teacher and high school principal. John is also a flight surgeon with the Reserves at McChord. He was out here last summer worked in the Jacks Valley clinic during second BCT. Great hearing from you—don’t miss the next Reunion, John!

CLASS GIFT: Just saw Les HAMBLIN, Gary DAHLEN, and Greg GILLES talking down the hall with the AOG Development people. The good news is that you folks have pledged over $300K to support our endowment for heritage projects at USAFA. It’s a great start for reaching our goal of $1.2M. Hopefully, some of you men with deep pockets will step up to the plate with a major league donation to support this worthy endeavor—which will leave our class’ mark on USAFA

this report. “I have some great news for your column. Jim LAKE got married Saturday, 15 Oct and the event was attended by several 71 grads. Steve and Debby SHAY (CPA’s) and Patrick G. PAGLIN and myself. Jim married Gina at the Sutton Place Hotel Garden in Newport Beach. Reception followed. Big Band (The Essence) played through the sumptuous buffet. Then... a Greek guitar player/singer took the stage and things really got wild. Jim is Greek and therefore knows all the dances you see on the Aristotle Onassis movie. There were men dancing with handkerchiefs, men dancing with men... At one point, Jim did a push up over a glass of wine to retrieve money with his teeth. Patrick Paglin kept reloading the glass to see how far this would go!”

Lance MILLER is in favor of the SR-71 project, and suggested that we look into a loan from a museum that has one, such as the Pima Museum in Tucson.

Ken MORRIS was nice enough to volunteer for the SR project. “Getting something cosmic like an SR-71 to the Academy would be something that will last long after we’re gone. And it would sure motivate young people visiting the Academy to at least consider going back as a cadet.

“Anyway, I’m not sure what ‘a movement afoot’ mentioned by Bob LOWE means.

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going some trauma last October.

Dick O’CONNOR went from the frying pan into the fire after retirement. He is working at the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President. Sounds like that job involves some long hours and major headaches, Oker. Dana ARBAUGH wrote a nice note describing DK SHELTON’s life-saving actions at the USAFA bowl game in San Jose. Seems DK was enjoying his meal at the tailgate, when the "is there a doctor in the house” request was made. DK jumped up and spent the next 30 minutes keeping breathing passages open for a man who had suffered a seizure.

Dana said that DK was pretty cool about it —

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Is there a committee already working on it? What can I do to help? If no one has

Jayne WROBLEWSKI, Steve DEHAVEN, Cass CASADA, and I shared a table and

been brave (or dumb) enough to step forward to head up this effort, I’d be willing. I at least had enough sense to mention it to my wife, Marsha, before volunteering. Incidentally we met on the ZI field trip, got married graduation night,

caught up on what we were doing. Wrobo is a full-time consultant, and seems to be doing well. John works in an engineering firm in Monument. A tradition at the membership meeting is the door prize. For the second year in a row, yours truly watched his classmates do well; the tickets behind and in front of me won lift tickets and Scotch. Steve was nice enough to pass around his brandy, and we

and are still married! Let me know where we stand on this thing and if I can help out in any way.

it’ll be 18 years of it in Feb. I "I’m still doing the Academy Liaison Officer job still live in Miami, FL and commute to Cincinnati flying 757/767 for Delta. I talked with our classmate Hank LAUGHLIN a couple nights ago. He’s still up near WrightPatterson in the computer business working as a civilian on base in the same area as his final assignment before retiring from the Air Force.”

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Ron HALE also was nice enough to drop a few lines. “Thanks for getting things

started for our 30th. Margie & I will be there!

“John GRUESER and I are a couple of the Tone rangers’ still wearing a blue suit as Reservists. We’re both at theTACC at Scott AFB. He is the MA to the commander and I am the IMA to the director, Global Channel Operations. Fancy title, but fortunately, everyone who works for me knows what they are doing!

‘John and I have been known to resolve’ issues over a bit of Crown Royal. Smile!

One of our active-duty folks recently asked if we had known each other very long, whereas we remarked, ‘for about 35 years’. We were both Prep Schoolers. John ‘

always seems to know where everyone else in the class is, either still on active duty or in the Reserve/Guard. We have fun from time to time, swapping stories.

‘Besides spending too much time with the Air Force, John is flying the B747 to Australia with United (he lives in Denver) and I am flying the B767ER from NYC to Europe with Delta. I live in Georgetown, TX (near Austin).

‘Here are some of the guys I hear about. Charlie BROWN (Southwest) says he will be back flying within a few months. (He had a heart problem.) Rick MILLER (Chicago with United, had a hole in his heart fixed this past year and was out of the hospital in two days), Bill VAN’T WOUT is still in Atlanta with Delta. (His daughter is at the Academy.) Bill DeWALT still lives in Waco, TX and is flying Delta out of Dallas. He has a son at the Academy also.

‘Barry BRUNS is still in Nebraska as a technician with the Nebraska Air National Guard. I think he is the Vice Wing King there. Mike HAMPSHIRE is with American in Dallas. He had some medical problem that has had him out of flying for a while. He says he likes being Mr. Mom. “That is all that comes to mind. I appreciate the time you must spend putting these little tidbits together for our magazine. I enjoy reading them and hearing where the guys all are. One suggestion for our 30th. Since the world is changing around us, would it be possible to share a bunch of e-mails with one another?

Perhaps create a class e-mail list that we each could have. Knowing how most of us do not like extra mail, perhaps there is a way to ask us to volunteer our e-mail addresses, those of us who would like to. Just one more way to communicate.”

Rod JONES also has been doing homework about the SR71. “NASA has four SR-71s available, two flyable and two non-flyable, and that we can have one of either category. It is possible to pick one of the flyable ones and have it make its final flight over the Academy at our reunion and then land at Peterson Field for modification for static display. They will donate the aircraft but we will need to raise about $130,000 to cover the mounting of the aircraft. It sure seems like a perfect class gift for our 30th. If we have any grads, or better yet, classmates, working for Lockheed or whatever they are called now, I am sure we could get a sizeable donation from Lockheed. We might also try contacting some of our very successful classmates like Bill RICHARDSON, Bill COLEMAN, Russ HUFFER, A1 BRAYTON, etc. to see if they would be interested in leading a matching fund campaign. I’m sure the AOG can help us in identifying successful classmates.

This is a unique opportunity for the Class of ‘71 and we should do all we can to make it happen.”

Rus STILES: “I missed the 20th reunion and have been kicking myself ever since.

I’ll be there for this one. Sorry I don’t have the time to ‘honcho’ it. I know it’s tough to find people. Maybe there’s something I can do from way down here in South Florida though. (No jokes about the vote!)”

Mark SUCHER will be at reunion. “On my end, nothing much has changed lately on the job front. I retired in 1996 and went to work for Fluor Daniel Fernald, Inc., a subsidiary of the Fluor Corporation. I became the general counsel in the fall of 1996, and I still hold that position. Our company works on a Department of Energy contract doing the environmental cleanup of the old Atomic Energy Commission/DOE uranium processing plant at Fernald, just northwest of Cincinnati, OH. Our house became much quieter this year as our youngest daughter, Jennie, moved away to start her freshman year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Our son Matt is a junior majoring in aeronautical engineering at the University of Michigan, and our oldest daughter, Courtney, graduated from William & Mary this spring with a degree in finance. Linda and I haven’t found life without children at home to be ‘too boring’ as our children feared.”

Harry DAVIS is not only busily involved with reunion planning, but he and Cindy are building their dream house south of Monument. John and Bernadette STUBBLEFIELD are also moving to the Monument area; they found a nice place already built. John will be checking out in FedEx’s Airbus later this spring.

Mike GEBHART no longer has to commute to Denver. After retiring from the Air Force, he went to work for Compaq, and really seems to be enjoying the at-

mosphere and corporate culture there.

The largest collection of ’71 grads that I know of this winter was at the local AOG chapter’s annual membership meeting. John and Janie BLIND, Jon and

toasted his success.

Another independent consultant is Tom CURRY. After I happened to catch his name in the business section of the paper after New Year’s we got together and he explained what had happened. His company was bought by a mega-corpora-

tion, which changed the corporate culture enough that it was to Tom’s advantage to become an independent, incorporate, and pay himself a salary.

Time is getting short. See you at Reunion! Later.

map *p|§sS|f

Bob Bell 13 Pacific Ave.

Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513 E-mail: rabell767@aol.com Percent members: 49

^0

Wow! The first of only two e-mails that I received for this issue comes from Class

of ‘81 Mike “Jake” JACOBI writing about one COL Harry (Terry) CALCUTT. You know him as the 53-year-old seemingly eternal lacrosse player who, along with a number of other ‘72ers, has been immortalized on the lacrosse “Wall of Fame” back at USAFA. As president of Cincinnati Lacrosse, Jake took the time to write your scribe with a very favorable report on the continuing prowess displayed by Harry on the field at the start of his third straight year as a starting attack man with the Cincinnati Lacrosse Club of the Midwest City Lacrosse Conference.

Now this would not be such a notable point but for the fact that at 53, Harry is the oldest guy still playing in the league, with the average age of the rest of the post-collegiate Division I level men’s club league members being around 30. In fact, Jake himself at 42 is considered one of the oldest active players, yet he looks on our Harry as a real inspiration. Still moving and running like a 20-year-old, Harry continues to run wind sprints and works with his stick during lunch breaks at Wright-Patterson, where he currently holds down the position of Chief, B-l Defensive Systems.

Harry never misses a practice and even made every single away game the team had last year to include two trips to Chicago and others to Atlanta, Kansas City and Pittsburgh. League-wide, Harry commands the respect of every player because of his innate ability and amazing stamina. Jake goes on to say that he proudly and with confidence starts every game putting Harry on first attack, regardless of the stiffness of the competition.

By way of a plug for the AF alumni team known as the GRAYBIRDS, this is your heads-up that they will be entering their fourth Vail lacrosse tournament this summer, playing in the over-40 division. Of course, Harry plans to join all the rest of our classmate lacrosse team members Jim (Bev) LIVINGSTON, Gary (Lynn) KITO, Doug (Debbie) ADAMSON, Mark BCUNO, Rick KOSKELLA, Scott (Sandy) WEEKER, Smokey (Ann) STOVER, and George (Lovetta) WARGO in Vail where it promises to be quite a sight to see. Thanks to Jake Jacobi for that fine information regarding one of our own remember when we all used to be able to do those things...

The other e-mail comes from Pete (Diane) SUTTON in his latest role as wing commander of the 12 th Flying Training Wing at Randolph AFB, TX. His wing of 3,500 folks supports a huge base population of nearly 12,000 a day, primarily in the mission of training the instructor pilot force for the T-37, T-38, AT-38, T-l and soon the T-6 Texan which will be replacing the “venerable” T-37. Randolph is also home to most of the T-43 fleet, training AF and USN navigators as well as the only electronic warfare training school in DOD. In addition, HQ Air Education Training Command (AETC), HQ Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC), HQ Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS) which Pete had previously commanded, and Air Force th Management and Innovation Agency (AFMIA), HQ 19 Air Force (19 AF) and scores of other associate units make their home at Randolph making Pete the equivalent of “mayor” of one big place.

Pete reports that the two-star promotion list recently came out with some predictably recognizable names on it Mike (Linda) HAMEL, most recently chief of Plans Division, HQ AFSPACECOM at Peterson AFB; Ed (Judy) LAFOUNTAINE, commandant of Armed Forces Staff College at Langley AFB; Tom (Kim) O’RIORDAN, HQ USSTRATCOM at Offutt AFB; and Gary (Carolyn) WINTERBERGER being among the latest ‘72ers deserving of congratulations. Pete also sees MGEN (Dr) Lee (Mariel) RODGERS pretty routinely since Lee is commander of Wilford Hall Medical Center there in San Antonio. Lastly, BGen Dave (Sue) WAGIE, Dean of the USAFA faculty, stopped by for a visit while at AFPC and the doolie-summer Cougar Squadron mates had a chance for a great chat.

As for me, the 767 international flying continues at American and I occasionally run into one of you guys passing through the terminal of some hub airport like last December when I saw Kevin (Terri) PATTY standing at the computer terminal right next to mine in Dallas flight operations. Then there was the time I passed Andy (Char) CALTAGIRONE on the fly in one of the New York airports (or was it Chicago who can even remember?). Such are the contacts we sometimes -

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make during these busy times.

In April I finished over four and a half great years as squadron commander of the 709 th Airlift Squadron at Dover AFB, DE where I will still be able to fly the C-5 a while longer while working for the Ops Group commander. It has really been a

full and exciting time at the helm of one of the busiest strategic airlift units in the Air Force Reserve and I will definitely miss it. That about wraps it up for this goaround, folks. Please continue to let me hear from you as we try to put out the

word on your happenings around the world. Hope that all are planning to make th way to USAFA for the big 30 Class Reunion in 2002. More to follow on that later... Take care. F.RA.

Dan O’ Hollaren 19803 Derby St

West Linn, OR 97068 Home: (503) 657-0299

Work: (503) 667-8554 E-mail: danoh73@home.com Percent members: 43

Greetings ‘73 from the dry Pacific Northwest. With water in short supply and our electricity bleeding south to power the neon lights of Hollywood, I am both inspired by a chilled glass of White Zin and safe in the knowledge that my computer will stay lit long enough for me to impart the latest and greatest to you, the faithful.

I am afraid the mailings have been sparse this quarter. I blame it on the recurrence of the infamous “Dark Ages”, that time between Christmas and spring break when everyone turns inward for the strength to survive. Putting fingers to keyboard during these times is tough, I know. But a few did venture an epistle. Todd LAVIGNE and bride, Diane, are in Germany again. She is working a government contract at U.S. EUCOM in Vaihingen. Seems we wrote about her exploits a few columns ago. Based on her initial findings around computing security, she may have job security for a while! Todd is realizing the benefits of technology as he telecommutes from Germany for his Huntsville company, Sparta, Inc. Todd gets

the stuff, does his thing, and then zips it back across the pond. He says, “...not bad for a guy who received a less than stellar grade in Comp Sci!” Heard from Bush HANSON with some updates. If some of this sounds familiar, there may be some duplicate reporting from the last column. Deal with it. AJ BRIDING is professor of aerospace studies at the University of Missouri while John KUCONIS is doing the same gig at MIT. Both AJ and John love it. Bob GLITZ will be retiring this summer from Gunter AFB. Sam GRIER should be improving his golf handicap as an unemployed computer instructor. Tom BLASE just arrived at Cannon AFB as a chaplain. Chris BLACK and Bryan CLARK both are flying Delta while Denny MAPLE and Ron JOHNSON are ferrying paying customers on Southwest. Not to be outdone, Jim MATEOS is still boring holes for American. Erik ANDERSON is still chasing the elusive true retirement as he stays employed by another of the ever-present “beltway bandits.” Dave BROWN is a surgeon practicing in the Springs. Don WETEKAM has reached the astral zone and is hanging out with all of those fighter jocks at ACC HQ. Craig PATCHIN is still administrating the Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake City. Fred MCNEIL is working in Memphis while sleeping and eating in Mississippi. John DUNCAN is hobnobbing with the politicians working in the old Executive Office Building as a loaned executive from the State Department. Randy RANDOLPH surprised everyone by finally marrying Georgie. Perseverance is the father of experience and the grandfather of success, Georgie! Congratulations! Bob HARTMANN is managing a retirement home in sunny California. Keep some rooms open for your classmates, Bob! Bush heard from Dave FLUKE; just couldn’t remember where or what! Finally, just to prove the old adage, John ROGACKI is now a rocket scientist at Huntsville.

Seagram Seven’s Ed WHITT wrote to update me on current happenings. He is flying the B737 for AccessAir out of Des Moines but living in Bryan, TX. Ed’s oldest daughter just finished her anthropology major at Texas A&M with a political science minor. Interesting combination. The USAF took a run at Ed for the recall they were exercising earlier in an attempt to get officers back for a three-year stint.

Instead of repeating Ed’s opinion verbatim, suffice it to say he did not feel a reply was warranted. Joe KAHOE on the other hand did, and is now at Langley on the ACC IG team. Barry SCHEINOST sent a pic of him and the Nebraska AG. Apparently he was looking forward to hearing BGen Robin Olds at the Nebraska Aviation Symposium, but the ex-commandant was a no-show. Vince PARISI writes from Bellbrook, Ohio, near Dayton, from whence he commutes to Wright-Pat. A 20year-and-out guy, Vince is working on helmet-mounted display stuff. His two daughters are both still in high school and their cocker spaniel still hanging on after 11 years. Geesh, I am glad to hear that! Vince has been in contact with Pete SANTAGO who is in North Carolina working in higher education.

Tom KROESSIG is residing in Peachtree City, GA with other ‘73ers. He is with Delta out of Atlanta and was doing the L-1011 FO thing until a severe sinus infection placed him in DNIF status. He could use some support with your thoughts and prayers to get him out of a potentially serious condition and back in the cockpit. Neighbor Bryan CLARK and he are active in the Promise Keepers movement and are interested in any other classmates that have been active in this worthwhile endeavor. Jack CHRISTENSEN returned to the northwest in Vancouver, WA, and is recovering from his “1/2 century” birthday by getting all sorts of “old man” meds from his sister the nurse. Remember Jack, it’s not the age, it’s the attitude!

Jack’s retired and flying the skies with Northwest. His son is about to graduate from UPT and already has his sights set on flying in the Guard. Smart move!

Picked up on a February news article on Jay JABOUR, one of our astral classmates. Seems BGen Jay is the F-22 system program director and was comment-

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

ing on the completion of the Raptor’s final two requirements to meet the production decision point. Radar cross-section testing and the flight of the #6 jet were the objectives. Nice going, Jay. Now, you just need to convince Congress to buy a few squadrons of these puppies. Ed PREBLE apparentiy introduced some funky font into our class website, evoking all sorts of threatening e-mails. I believe Ed has corrected the faux pas and we should be back in business. He did mention hearing from Bob LITTLE, now in the AF Reserves, and Dave SKALKO. No other details, though. Ed also heard from Clay STEWART, another victim of

the ubiquitous computer crash, who finally was able to send out e-mail. He and

the family have their sights set on Leadville, CO. Turning the house into a B&B is also in their plans, while they enjoy the golden years rocking on the porch and taking in the “great Colorado outdoors.” Ed is also thinking about making his way back to the Ramparts. Seems the summers are just too hot in New Mexico for him, the family and their four horses.

The Rebeleven mailbox was totally empty this time around, so there’s a challenge, guys: time for updates. The next time I will be penning this episde will be in the June time frame, so mark your calendars. As for yours truly, I survived my Health Services Inspection as the medical squadron CO and am preparing to take the unit to Andersen AFB, Guam, in April for a couple of weeks. We will be working both in the Air Force clinic as well as the Navy hospital. Should be interesting. Hope to get in some sun and snorkeling over the weekend. Expect a report in the Fall 2001 issue. Boeing is still keeping me gainfully employed Monday-Friday, now with a new job as operations director for the Portland facility.

Son Paul and his new bride are building a new house while younger daughter Ashley has survived her first two terms at the University of Oregon and may have broken the code on college longevity.

One final note of thanks to classmate Scott PARKER for writing the Checkpoints obituary on Mike MAYER. Mike made some significant contributions during his career and was recognized at the highest levels within the military medical community. His devotion to his family was equally remarkable. He will be missed.

Have a great summer and we’ll see you at the start of football season. AMF and

Check Six!

Joe Brezovic 1209 Bayou Oaks Drive

Friendswood, TX 77546 Phone: (281) 482-6860 Office: (281) 244-8325/Fax: (281) 244-8909 E-mail: jbrezl@prodigy.net or

joseph.brezovicl@jsc.nasa.gov Percent members: 44

Howdy all!! Here’s hoping all goes better ‘n better for you each day...

Bill and Terry CASEMENT now live in Ft Worth, TX. Bill was asked to fly the L1011 for American Trans Air. He agreed. He trained in Miami/Atlanta. Terry found

orchestra director for two middle schools whose programs were teaching job dead. What a challenge! Their one daughter starts an MBA program at the University of Houston. (We live there, Bill.) Another graduated with a degree in econombut they adverics and is now in Maine. So they, too, are back in an empty home tise that the Casement B&B is open now with more western flavor to the aloha.

Stephen DANIELS wrote from Scott AFB. His retirement date is tentatively set for 3 Aug (as of today, March 9). Stephanie (their firstie) has been approved for pilot training. Since the academy doesn’t do the T-41 anymore and the T-3 was Initial Flight Training. So she gradushe still needs to do the IFT grounded ates on May 30 and then starts IFT on 1 June. So all the best laid plans... Son graduating 25 May, daughter being commissioned on 30 May as my last official act on active duty. I think I understand Steve that he’ll take some terminal leave and out-process, but won’t retire until she finishes consequently 3 Aug. From the memory hallways come stories of classmate Ed NORTON. Ed, I don’t remember where you are. First one happens in Second BCT, Jacks Valley. Nice weather. Meal tent sides rolled up. Some upperclass tents rolled up, too. You may remember that we all scarfed up food as best we could during BCT so we could squelch the hunger pains. Bananas for lunch. Ed strove to unobtrusively slip a few bananas around his waist inside the fatigue shirt. More than three.

And he cleaned up his plate. Left the tent. Squared the turns as one is supposed to, or as best one can in Jacks Valley. Out of the blue comes a command. “Norton” is called out loudly. “Yes, Sir” was the response so that everyone knew that Ed was paying attention to this voice from hell! No command comes next. There was one that required doolies to go from an erect position to one that hugs the ground, in a split second. The command is “Flair.” So, “Flair” is called out. Then, after a squish is heard by those poor basics close by... “Roll, Right” and "Roll Left” were given. After the gods saw that the food was properly dispositioned, poor Ed was dismissed. I don’t think any of us know to this day to whom that voice belonged. I’m sure Ed would like to know.

There is one voice Ed did learn during another episode in 2 nd BCT. During Air Base Security, we had our M-ls and some blanks. And Roger was in the bushes.

Ed was part of our detail. Ed sees the target, aims near, but not at, on, or over, and fires. “OW” comes the cry from Roger. Only Roger knows now if he actually got hit with the wad. Ed was found to be at fault by the cadre. So for the next 30 minutes, Ed had to run down the hill, to the command post, report in, and back up the hill, report in, back down the hill to report to command post, and back up.

Ed sweated a bunch that day.

Another time I remember Ed putting out was during Hell Week. Yeah, back in the full-week days. We were in Second Squadron, which was the sixth floor in Vandenberg Hall. It was one of the change uniform days. Fatigues UOD. Down the six flights to report at the BOR (base of the Bring Me Men ramp). Then back up to wear another set of uniforms...and don’t even think about wearing white gym socks under the black boot socks to save time! I distincdy remember facing Ed coming out at the top of the sixth floor stairwell not a dry place on the uniform. One good thing out of all this, Roger quit in the middle of Hell Week. a

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Now Gene BEDNARZ and myself could have a two-man room until school was over.

Ed, I’m proud to have known you.

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I look forward to hearing from any of you.

May each of you live long and prosper.

Jeff Hackett 2610 E. Stotder Drive

Gilbert, AZ 85296

igfilr

Home: (480) 558-8703

E-mail: jhackett75@home.com Percent members: 49

OPERATORS ARE STANDING BY! As I prepare for my quarterly “make-something-out-of-nothing” exercise, it occurs to me that I missed an opportunity to piggyback my perennial lack-of-inputs problem with the Class Gift Campaign.

Once the professional campaigner got you to commit your dollars, it would only have taken another minute to tack on a persuasive pitch about pledging just one or two paragraphs of news every three months to your Class Scribe hell, we’d even let you send it in the same envelope as your check! (Insert your own mental image of me sitting at the computer with a blank look on my face.) So won’t you put aside whatever you’re doing right now and make that “call” to give the gift of words that just might make a difference in the life of the Scribe, an old roommate, or that guy in the Class of 73 that thought you’d never amount to anything. Call (or write or e-mail) today, won’t you? On the other hand, maybe that 73 grad was right!

On the subject of the Class Gift Campaign as of this writing (mid-March) things looked pretty good /pretty bad, depending on how you choose to spin the numbers. Seventy percent of the folks who’ve made firm decisions have decided to pledge and the average pledge ($1,547) is slightly above target. But about a third of the people contacted so far have not given a firm “yes”/“no” answer.

(Editorial policy precludes me from sharing my thoughts on the 30 percent who gave a firm “no”.) My guess is that the professional solicitation phase of the campaign will have ended by the time you read this but I’m sure there are still ways to get yourself on-board if you initially said “no”.

LATE OR MISGUIDED INPUTS STILL WELCOME. Bentley RAYBURN’s and -

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Scott SMITH’S Christmas cards didn’t arrive in time to be included in the last

column. Looking at the postmark, I think Bentley’s probably got to my old address in time but the forwarding thing didn’t work out just right. Bentley is done with the ACC/IG thing and has moved on to the ACC/XP (Plans and Programs for you civilians) thing which gives him a lot of insight on the “where we’ve come from” and “where we’re going” story (one telling excerpt: “In the last 10 years your Air Force is 40 percent smaller in terms of people, while our operational deployment activity has increased 400 percent!”). Debbi and all four of the kids (Moriah, Micah, Carrisa, and Cassandra) are doing great things and, as the photo shows, make a darn good-looking group. Scott and Janet got my address right but confessed to being a litde late this year (which puts them one or more up on those of us who failed to get cards mailed out). Another chronicle of busy times and a family growing up too fast (Jenny high school senior, Scott high school freshman). Jan is now the assistant director of Surgical Services at Potomac Hospital and Scott is now a 737-800 first officer on the Delta Shuttle.

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The Rayburn Family MEETING OF THE MINDS... OR WHATEVER.

Jim CARLSON (and others?)

organized a remedial reunion get-together in Washington, DC at the beginning of February. I understand it also served as a wake for the not-quite-dearly-departed Curt OSTERHEALD (see my last column for an explanation). Although I sadly did not get any photos nor gory details, I’m told that a good time was had by all (26 guys plus spouses / significant others) and that they’re looking forward to the USAFA vs. USNA football game for their next meeting.

This would seem to be the ideal time to make a plug for the Arizona Chapter of the AOG those of you who are fellow desert-dwellers should get on-board so that we can make sure there’s a substantial 75 representation at any/all upcoming events (would think that there will be organized trip(s) to the San Diego State and/or New Mexico football games next Fall). Call me for membership details.

RANDOM SIGHTINGS AND WIRETAPS. I’ll grant you the benefit of the doubt and postulate that the e-mail change I made in February sabotaged the hundreds (?)... dozens (?)... couple of e-mails that y’all sent. Please make a note of my new e-mail address in the by-line at top of this column. End result is that I only have a very small bit of information to pass along. On my last flight home from USAFR duty in Albuquerque, I sat next to Jim MARBURGER who was on his —

92

way back to Phoenix from an aviation law symposium in Dallas. Jim’s still doing well and keeping the scales of justice in balance with the Gust Rosenfeld firm here in Phoenix. There are plans for catching an upcoming Coyotes’ (NHL) game

together, especially if we can catch Jim’s rookie roommate, Phil PEARCE, in town.

I spent a few hours with Phil and Chris in their lovely home a few weeks ago as I drove (dragged) my exhausted carcass home from an in-line skate race in North Scottsdale. They’re doing well and Phil is still traveling a good bit.

Phone calls from Rich CHANICK (local) and Kent TRAYLOR (long distance from all is well in their respective locations and with their families & careers.

I’ll slip in a regular reminder for each of you to check out and contribute mate-

D.C.)

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rial (notes, pictures, etc.) to our class homepage [http://www.tc.umn.edu/ -carlsonj/]. Jim Carlson is doing a wonderful job of making it better and better all the time!

PUTTING ME BACK IN MY PLACE. For very possibly the first time ever, I made my input (paragraphs above) to the Checkpoints editors right on time (understand the paramedics were successful in reviving them when that happened).

But I’m more than glad to take the hit (cut in pay?) from the AOG for being late

again so that I can acknowledge/share input from John CHARLTON who e-mailed to say he recently attended a Transition Seminar with eight of our classmates: Joe SINISCALCHI, Greg FRICK, Bill SPENCER, Terry YOUNG, Dave WILLIAMSON, John LOUCKS, Jim HARTNEY, Joe MAY, and Jerry LEVESQUE. John included a picture but we couldn’t get it published here (not enough pixels), check the class website copy of this column to see the smiling faces. Now I certainly expect to hear from you guys! ^

Ernie Woollard 216 E. Goetder St.

'? S a

Scott AFB, IL 62225-1710 Home: (618) 744-1044 / Work: (618) 256-7948

E-mail: evw76@aol.com Work e-mail: Ernest.Woollard@scott.af.mil

Class Website:http://www.AFAcademy.com/76 Percent members: 41

Greetings 76ers!

Hope all is well and we’re into the swing of things for the summer season. And, of course, just around the corner is...FOOTBALL...OKLAHOMA? Can you believe it, the national champions for the home opener Parents’ Weekend? I thought th doing great just to have Army for our 25 reunion in November... Way to go Randy, well done! th Speaking of our 25 reunion, it appears Dan BEATTY has a good jump on planning activities. The dates are now final: 1-4 Nov. We once again lucked out, and our hotel of choice is the Adams Mark Antlers. Package information should be out shortly: remember to book early, and check-in for the event could be as early as Oct 31 st for that Indian Summer round of golf by day and “trickor-treating” with that special someone by night. I’ve been told that we should remain flexible for Game Day activities, as The Mountain West/ESPN may want a night game for television coverage that Saturday stay tuned. Dan says that the big dining experience is being planned for Friday the 2 nd ; save room for dessert. At any rate, Dan told me that many of our Colorado permanent resident classmates are jumping up to help with the planning, but if you have a special request or ideas on what we may want included in the festivities, please don’t hesitate to contact Dan at: DSN 692-6160 or (719) 554-6160 / e-mail:

we were

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daniel.beatty@peterson.af.mil.

In late February I was fortunate enough to land a TDY opportunity to Colorado Springs and USSPACECOM... wow how the “Springs” has changed since our cadet years, and even in the past five years since the 20 th reunion. The growth is just unprecedented, and the “maze” of streets can keep the best of navigators lost for several hours. I had some free time right after my arrival, so I headed up to the Academy for a quick tour and stop at the gift shop. The facilities and grounds are still impeccable... I jaunted down to the athletic area looking for Russ LANEY and Randy SPETMAN. Unfortunately, well, maybe fortunately...

Randy was in Tulsa with the swim team at the conference championships, but Russ was still hard at work, wheeling and dealing, telling me about the Oklahoma deal that would soon be final. Russ was really not too happy about my MIZZOU polo shirt, but today, that’s where most of my money seems to be going. I told Russ the gift shop didn’t have any stylish long-sleeved polo shirts, soooo... He assured me that come November, our selection would be just as good, if not better, than that at the University of Missouri! Russ, by the way, is looking great; he’s dropped about 30 pounds, and says the only time he’s felt better was when he was really working at Davis-Monthan in Titan IIs. Other news from the Academy is speculation that Mark WELSH, our commandant, may be moving on late this summer... stay tuned to that “GO” assignment list. Joe MARCHINO was also at the conference, representing the PACAF/Hawaii contingent. Joe’s doing well supporting those PACAF DP issues and ensuring he is on Hickam’s first tee at 7:37 every Saturday morning. Mike WORDEN is also

floating around out there in PACAF-land, not sure what he’s up to, but Joe insisted that he was working hard, too. Sorry I didn’t make the April Honolulu conference Joe. And finally, from Chicago... John ERIGO, “Big J,” sent me a long-overdue update and picture of him and his new bride. John reminded me about some of our

Class of 1976 25th Reunion USAFA vs. Army -

31 October

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4 November 2001

ing system from one part of the space station to another, as well as installing power fixtures and an awning for one of the windows. On his third space walk Tom mounted a critical s-band antenna, demonstrated retrieving a disabled EVA crewmember, and climbed to the top of the space station’s solar array mast. Fit-

tingly, he took a picture and told the controllers in Houston, “This is gonna make a centerfold in Aviation Week.” Well, not quite, but it got you some great press, Tom. Congratulations.

QUICK HITS: Got a few short e-mail shots from those of you who are still checking in on the web site. Jim BATTON (Lisa), who had been working at a firm called FirstCard/First Chicago, was recruited by Sears last year and is now the chief information officer for Sears Credit. Jim and Lisa are living in St. Charles and trying to keep all of us Sears credit card users from blowing up the system. John VISSER (Ann) sent me this photo of none other than himself and Bill BRANDT (Susan) at a recent dining in of the North Texas AOG. Bill was stepping down after a year as the chapter president. Bill also noted that he is upgrading to an MD-11 captain at FedEx for his next promotion. Thanks for the info, John.

John and Alyssa Erigo cadet cross-country “driving exhibitions” (please John, not in front of my teenage drivers). John is a United Airlines Airbus captain. He and Alyssa live in Lake

Forest, just a stones throw from any Chicago sporting activity... Cubs or Blackhawks (notice I didn’t reference the Chicago minor league franchises... Bulls, Bears, White Sox), just give “J” a call at (847) 234-0011. John and Alyssa’s favorite

pizza place is Lou Malnattis, home of the world’s best deep-dish pizza!

Well, that’s a wrap! Hope we are all making those reunion plans... tuning up the vehicle, lining up the child care, coordinating with the travel agent... see ya there, and FLY SAFE! Ernie John J "Lou” Michels, Jr. 5107 Juglan Court

Centreville, VA 22020 H: (703) 802-6611 W: (703) 712-5350 Fax: (703) 712-5050 E-Mail: jjmichel@mwbb.com Percent members: 40

Pat BURKE (Denise), last seen giving flying lessons in this space, reported sadly that he had tried to bid on the Academy’s RFP because introductory flight training

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Greetings from the land of “the blizzard that wasn’t.” After being threatened with snow at the beginning of March, all we have seen is rain. The only way I get to see snow around here is by going to John VISSER’S (Ann) ‘77 website and looking at the Academy webcam to see the terrazzo in white. Hope the winter went well for all of you.

ALERT: This is will be a very chatty column because I have virtually no news from anybody. I suspect this is due to the short deadline between the arrival of the magazine and when my column has to be in, but do me a favor and start slandering each other year round so I will have some copy. Thanks.

Curt BEDKE (Ina), now General BEDKE, took over the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale in December and now owns his own fleet. Congrats, Curt; they didn’t waste much time after the promotion did they? Jean “Frenchy” FERNAND (Karen) is punching holes in the sky for United out of the Springs, and moonlights towing sailplanes at the Academy. I’m going to assume that Frenchy is saner than the guys I used to watch tow me up. I recall high-performance stalls, corkscrew-dives, and just about anything else physically possible in a Piper Supercub without tearing the wings off. Frenchy and Karen had a busy last year celebrating the wedding of their oldest son, wringing their hands over their middle son getting his drivers license, and generally wondering whether United unions were going to walk out on strike anytime soon. Hang in there folks. At least you are living in Colorado.

Lorin and Merry Kay LONG are now fully settled into Des Moines. No, not Iowa, this Des Moines is in Washington, where Lorin is flying for Alaska Airlines as a 737 FO.

would never turn a profit under the Academy’s criteria. Pat said that he was hopeful that a zero-profit organization of USAFE grads could handle anything, but not now. He said he was going to try to take another shot at the RFP after he has gotten over his initial disappointment. Any of you who are interested, please contact him at p_w_burke@hotmail.com. I am sure he would like to hear from you.

MEA CULPAS AND GOODBYE: Some of you have commented on the fact that the picture of Doug ATKINS’ (Kristen) family was hard to make out in the last issue. In fact, it was omitted completely, or Doug has finally mastered stealth technology in the visible spectrum. In any event, here is the missing picture.

That’s all from the land of the big malls. Be seeing you.

Lorin was commuting to L.A. for a while living “in a crash pad” with

nine other pilots (I’ll bet that was a housekeeping challenge!), but then was as-

signed to Seattle late last year. Glad to hear you’re closer to home, Lorin.

Curt TAYLOR (Terri) is heading off to Ramstein to work at USAFE; however, sans family at least for a few months. Terri is an active-duty nurse and was selected by the Chief Nurse Board, so she has a few assignment options in the area.

By the time you read this they should know what they are doing, so my best wishes to both of you. Curt has promised me some “Checkpoints- type” photos on his last TDY. I could use those pix right this second, Curt.

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND: For those of you with plenty of time on your hands (or those who want to read a great story) I recommend to you the Feb 19, 2001 issue of Aviation Week featuring an extended article on the placement of the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station. Leading the charge this mission was none other than the Class’ lone space walker, Tom JONES (Liz). These space walks went much better than Tom’s last attempt, in which he ended up being locked in the airlock when the door latch malfunctioned on the way out. No such hitches this time. In fact, there is an unbelievable picture of Tom hanging from the shuttle arm on his second EVA, looking like either a Christmas ornament or a fly-fishing lure.

Tom and his fellow space walker eased the laboratory payload out of the shuttle bay with approximately two inches on either side of the module to spare. For someone who has marred innumerable pieces of furniture trying to get them through doorways, I have nothing but respect for Tom and the crew in that they got the payload out of there without a scratch. Perhaps the weighdess conditions had something to do with it.

After playing furniture mover, Tom plugged the lab into a variety of power and fluid connectors; in the process he had to dust off his partner who managed to spray ammonia all over himself. Tom performed a second EVA to move a dock on

T. J. “Bahaska” Whitehair 1205 Southview Drive

O’Fallon, IL 62269 (618) 632-1423 E-mail:

Bahaska@intertek.net

Percent members: 39

•mSggff

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Ya Gotta Have Heart. Paul VALOVCIN, Colonel, One Each, Issue recendy had an

angioplasty to have those heart arteries/veins cleaned out real good.

Of

course, having it done in an Army Hospital (Walter Reed) was a risky proposi-

tion (akin to calling Roto-Rooter) especially since he had to fly eight hours there from Germany. However, “A, B, & C” Squadron preppies pulled together and our prayers were answered as he got out of surgery unharmed and is reported to be

doing very well. However, one comment needs to be made. Since Paul is an avid iron man competitor, marathon man, and is entered in the next Mr. Universe competition, how could he possibly have plugged piping? The world wonders.

Hey Paul, your preppie buddies wish you a speedy recovery.

Honor Bound. Recently, I became aware of a cheating scandal where some 40

Prep Schoolers copied part of a computer file for a homework project. Periodi-

cally, these cheating scandals do unfortunately occur. This invoked the wrath of the powers that be, as it should have. In February, they put out the call for former preppies and/or grads to attend a seminar to speak to these preppies that are bound by the same honor code as the souls that attend the ice palace. Their goal was to speak to these young men and for former preppies/grads to tell “war stories” on how the honor code was invaluable to their success and making sure that the mission succeeded.

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Although I could not attend, I sent a rather pointed e-mail to the Prep School authorities noting that the honor code is sacred and that anyone who could not abide by it should be “kicked out even if only to serve as a warning to those that remain.” My feeling when I wrote the letter was that once you embrace the dark side of the force, forever will it dominate your life. However, shortly after sending this off, I received an e-mail that made me re-evaluate my thoughts concerning the honor code.

Why second thoughts you ask? Well I received a letter from a former preppie and early member of the Class of 1978 who made a mistake and was removed from the Academy. I’m choosing not to mention his name because I’m sure it’s still somewhat painful even after all these years. But I found it to be one of the most thought-provoking letters that I have received. Far from being bitter and against the honor code, he wholeheartedly still embraces the concept and the requirements and stated so to the officials at the USAFA Preparatory School. His split-second lapse of judgment changed his life, but in an extremely positive manner. He overcame the stigma from classmates, friends, parents, and the business world to make himself a success in spite of his mistake. Now it appears he understands the code more than I can humbly say I do. When attending the blue zoo, and although I was aware and trained in the code, I suspect like most cadets I really didn’t think about it, I just accepted it and followed.

I was forced by his comments to re-evaluate and look deep inside at those core values that I believe in and cherish. So after much thought, I wrote him an email, short and sweet, which I noted that those who cherish freedom the most I truly believe that this are those who once lost it and have now regained it. statement applies to honor as well. (NOTE: Little did I know that another thoughtprovoking article entitled “Honor Found", written by Col. Mark Hyatt, USAF, '70, would appear in the Winter 2001 edition of Checkpoints .)

Norfolk. He passes along the following: Bruce GEBHARD retired in Sep 00 as the Spt Ops CC at Pope AFB and now flies for Midway Airlines, Dave VANDERCOOK was the ASOS CC at Ft Drum, Butch RAYFIELD is still doing pediatric doctoring in Maryland at Ft Belvoir, Dan BAUMGARTNER is the Chiief of Staff for the Joint PerI only report the news, I don’t decipher it! Paul sonnel Recovery Agency —

BORDENAVE is the acting J5 soon to be J3 for the Iceland Defense Force. Paul has flown F4s, F15s, and F18s. Not bad. Dr. Dale JONES wrote a while back to report that he retired in Aug 00 and that he is now the Director of the Gov’t Performance Project. This is an effort to assess the management capacity of all 50 states and a

bunch of major cities. He is an associate professor at Syracuse Univ. Dale says this is his first time to make the Checkpoints article. After 22 years? Wow! I read a Joint Patriot Newsletter in Dec and saw that the author was a John WAGNER. I e-mailed the “Are you a ‘79er?” message and got the reply that, yes, another classmate was in charge of something. John is a temp AGR (full-timer in the ANG) at Reno, NV flying C130s running this exercise. He departs the AF in

July and his apps are out w/everyone.

He reports that: Harry WHITING retired

and now flies for FedEx, Steve LOWERY works at 9thAF, Pete BUNCE was the OG/ CC in Tucson but is now an AF congressional advisor, Guy WALSH is at Tucson as

the OG/CD (Dep OG), and Glenn WEAVER made 0-6 and is now at Randolph.

Thanks, John. Good luck with the airline hiring prospects.

Thanks to all for the Xmas cards and letters. Here are some tidbits of info: Walt th WRIGHT gave up command of the 524 FS at Cannon AFB after a deployment to OSW last year. He’s at Air War College and says his golf game is improving rapidly. Made 0-6 and will pin on soon. Congrats. Ken KRAAK (SWA 737 CA) sent a great Xmas card announcing that he married Annie in Sept 00. They live near

Greg SVESKA (AAL 777 FO) and family got the urge to experience Colorado again and recently moved to Monument. Greg still commutes to DFW as does wife, Brenda. Daughter Brooke has dad right where he wants to be. John SUSALLA (NWA DC9 CA) just upgraded to captain and flies a few times with F/A wife, Kathy, out of Detroit. He’s still doing AF Liaison work and made LtCol recentiy. John’s brother is on an admiral’s staff and got John a ride on an aircraft carrier from Hawaii to San Diego. How cool is that? Mike WATSON and I had a golf game planned recentiy in Phoenix but I had to back out at the last minute my loss. Mike is doing great w/ USPA&IRA in Phoenix. He, Bonnie, and the boys hosted a ton of people the past year and squeezed in trips and golf in between.

Baltimore.

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Thanks, Mike. We’ll reschedule

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promise.

The Livie family in Keystone, Colorado.

2001, A Space Odyssey. By the time this graduation issue hits the street, Vincent LIVIE, son of ‘78er Brian “Skivs” LIVIE (see photo), should be a brand new butterbar and eventually off to pilot training at Moody AFB. May he serve as well as his dad, a former CS-25 squadron mate of mine. Brian reports that Vince is the first offspring of a ‘78er (another milestone for the Class of 1978) to graduate from the Blue Zoo. Congrats and kudos to all the Class of 2001 for a tough four years.

Preppie Gathering: Mariano NANDIN wants a preppie get-together for the fall, for the AF-Oklahoma football game I bet. If you are prone to this idea, contact him at jrnandin@mitre.org. And all you technically challenged preppies need to get your e-mail address to him to complete a good list of all us old guys.

New Format: Did you notice that the Winter 2001 Checkpoints has a new look for articles? Well, what do you think? Send some comments, after all it’s your

magazine!

You Might Be a ‘78er If: Near-Beer (3.2%) still tastes good.

Down for the Count: Well, later dudes and hang ten: summer is here. Bahaska

Jammer MOORE sent this photo of his family at Xmas and reports that his #1

job is still flying 727s for UPS (Louisville). #2 job is working at die Pentagon for the AF Reserves. Tennis still dominates most of his and Pattie’s leisure time. Says to bring your rackets when you visit. I know I warned Chuck FRANCESHI years ago about the cost of college educations but he never listened to me as his roommate so why did I think that he would listen to me later? He and lovely wife, Laura, added their seventh child this past Sept to their clan. Regina Elena (Gina) rd at their home (by design) and weighed in just under 8 lbs. was born Sept 23 Nick, age 20, is the oldest. God truly has blessed them their kids are remarkable -

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and my hat is off to all of them.

John “J.R.” Dallas 10501 Ramsgate Court

Fort Smith, AR 72908

(501) 648-0433/DSN: 962-8271 E-mail: John.Dallas@arftsm.ang.af.mil Percent members: 40

'jSBEfe

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Greetings, ’79ers !! It seems like only yesterday that I was in Sao Paulo, Brazil writing this article in 2000, and now I sit in New York City in early March ready to pass along news from the world of 79. My thanks to all that have written, called, or stopped to chat in airports around the country; y’all make this bearable. My wife, Daren, and I are getting used to the casual living in Ft Smith, AR. I am the OG/CC (Ops Group CC) for my ANG unit. Once the former occupant finally left the White House, we converted to the F-16C. Go figure. My girls are 13 and almost 8, and Daren and I are off to Germany with them for a vacation in late March. Trying to ‘

see Mike LEGGETT at Ramstein while we are there.

Time will tell.

I’ve heard that Trevor ALBRO (SWA 737CA) is soon retiring from flying Vipers works on it alot!! At recent for the Boys from Syracuse. Still has his cadet 280Z conferences, I’ve seen Mike PEPLINSKI (OG/CC at Selfridge, MI) and John NICHOLS who went from the OG/CC at Madison, WI to the FW/CV (Vice CC) at Kelly AFB—TXANG. Both are doing great things for the ANG. On an AAL trip to Zurich, Switzerland last year I met Pete BERGAMINI’s mom at the hotel. Pete flies for AAL out of Miami. Small world. She did seem proud, Pete! John PARDO writes that he is the Dep Chief of Plans in the U.S. Joint Forces Command at —

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Phil FINCH wrote from Arkansas where his farm life is getting better. He started 2000 as a 747 FO w/ NWA but this past Oct made the plunge to A320 CA in MEM

much nicer? Daughter at U of A; son in high school. Phil, we are still due for a golf match. Mike LEGGETT is at Ramstein, Germany as the deputy division chief

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of the USAFE Ops and Trng Division. Doesn’t have as many TDYs, but the work hours are worse. With all the visitors they host, he and Wendy criss-cross the landscape from wine fest to wine fest. Work hours? Sure sounds like a lot of free time. Remember get that time off in late March!

I saw Mike OTOMO (AAL 757 CA) a while back in San Juan. Looks great. Son is in college. Steve MATHEWS (AAL CA) just upgraded to the A300 in Miami. Steve -

is the bottom guy on the Airbus list with little hope to move out of clean-up. He

and Caroline live in a two-bedroom condo on Miami Beach that looks out over the water. Beautiful! I saw Ron LAFON at AAL ops and he has upgraded to FI00

captain (DFW), lives on a 90-acre ranch in Sanger, TX, and just retired as the Flight Safety officer w/the 301 FW at the base formerly known as Carswell. His high-school daughter just made All-State Band. His brother-in-law is Larry SANDOVAL (SWA 737 CA—Love Field) and Ron says that he is doing wonderful.

Just had a son graduate from college.

I reported a few years back that Rocky ELLISON (AAL S80 CA) was pastoring at a church in North Texas on his

off-days. He’s left that church and is now minis-

tering to inmates in a Texas prison. I’m betting that his work will produce great results.

Good luck, Rocky. I visited with Rick STAPLES (DAL MD88 FO) two months back at DFW. Rick works as a Fit Ops Manager for Delta at DFW. JanMarc JOUAS left the demands of being the OG/CC at Spangdahlem Airbase, Germany and is now at the Pentagon’s J-5. He’s the NATO Division Chief in the Joint Chiefs of Staff Plans and Policy Directorate. Wife, Marion, attends Georgetown

University for a master’s in health management. Another move is likely in 2001.

Keep in touch, Juice. Enjoy the nation’s capital. Don COHICK (Vice OG/CC at Scott) flew to FSM awhile back for a visit. Someone had to make that parts run!

He, Lisa, and the kids are enjoying Cardinals and Rams games as often as possible. Thanks for the visit, Don. During a visit to ANG headquarters late last year, I saw Jeff HILTON and was able to visit with him.

He’s still active duty but works as the A-10 Program Element XPPP. He lives in Arlington, VA while working at Manager (PEM) for the NGB JP1. He has the best view out of his office window unbelievable! He daydreams —

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while looking at the U.S. Capital and the Potomac. He’s planning on one more year until retirement and is attempting to get assigned to Vance AFB for his fini tour. He keeps in touch with Tom YANNI and Mike LONGORIA regularly. He thought that Tom worked in J-5’s Arabian Peninsula branch, and that Mike was at MacDill AFB with USSOCOM (U.S. Special Ops Command). Bill GREGORY is working on his tan in Phoenix and says he works for Honeywell Corp. He still runs duathlons (?) and triathlons between business trips to Houston.

Mike ASHLEY sent some late news from Rob ROWE. Seems as if Rob is the chief test pilot for Lockheed Martin on the U-2 at Skunk Works. He says the job is more like being a test pirate, but the pay is good. Wife has him riding horses and playing the violin. Mike also writes that Brian HAMPL lives in Poultney, VT worldng for a magazine distribution company. Anyone seen or heard from Rick BENNETT? If so, pass info to Mike Ashley. Must close. You guys are the best. Fly Safe. Be Safe. Hope you enjoyed it.

Don Myers 1424 Barberry Lane Peachtree City, GA 30269-6916

Star Trek

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the Next Generation?

If you’re looking for more “life after retirement” success stories, Chuck (Net+4) MILLIGAN got his professional engineering license and stays busy at a small engi-

neering firm in Monument, CO. In his free time, besides the family activities I’ve mentioned in the past, Chuck also works at ArtQuest, the company he and Net started. Net does website design and he does architectural drawings for homes.

Got an email from Doug Stephan.

Seems he started with us and resigned in

‘79, joined the Coast Guard in ‘85, and will be heading up to Kodiak, Alaska to fill one of the many vacant C-130 pilot positions. That’s all I know, but I can connect you to him.

Of course, by now you know that our own Sue HELMS is floating around on

(and sometimes outside) the international space station. You can get a lot of info at NASA’s web site about her. on the space station.

Initially, she wasn’t very excited about living

In 1996, after her boss asked if she’d do it, she took a couple

of days to decide. “I made the choice within a day or two, but I wrestled with the choice for probably several months, doubting whether or not I made the right choice because it was a huge commitment.” She’s taken living in space a step further than most: she stored her personal belongings, made her address a post office box, and only kept one bank account (for direct deposit of her paychecks, of course!). “Try and lose the telemarketers, that’s one objective.” In any case, her home for several months will truly be the space station.

That’s it from this end. You folks have tapered off a litde in your scribe correspondence. Since we’re supposedly getting a litde more free time at this age, I’d like to have you spend just a handful of it with me/us. As always, the best to you and yours.

(770) 631-1429 E-mail: DMyers80@hotmail.com Class Home Page: http://usafa80.tripod.com Percent members: 58

Dennis Ward 8300 Greentree Manor Lane

Fairfax Station, VA 22039-3214 Now I know what a flowering spring is supposed to be like! We lived up north

for so long that Kathy and I forgot what beautiful colors are presented in the trees and flowers. Of course, when you get this magazine in time for June Week, we will likely be gasping for air in the heat but I’m willing to make the trade-off at this point.

Due to my move, I didn’t find out about the December death of Stephen E. SMITH until after I wrote the last article. As we become more established in the middle of life, I anticipate more and more notices will go out to you about the "last flight” of one of our own. I encourage you to write a note to the family members left behind to share a favorite memory you had of/with the person who has left us.

It seems George (Nadine+2) MADSON will be hanging up the Air Force spurs this summer. This should circumnavigate a remote command post tour that likely had his name on it and allow him to remain an involved father near Offutt/Omaha.

Actually, I think the real reason to stay home is to monitor a certain son with a learner’s permit.

On occasion, you’ve read one of my updates on A1 (Patty) DORN’s battle with MS. They are still living in Ashville, NC, where A1 can get treatment at the VA hospital nearby. Patty (who also is battling health issues) sent an email out to a handful of us that have been keeping up with Al’s progress. In late winter, he went on an intense steroid treatment, followed by a tapering-off drug therapy. Any improvement takes 3-4 months to observe. This is the fourth time for this massive jolt to his system. That’s the short version, but if you’re a “prayer warrior...”

I finally sifted through some of the photos I took at the reunion (not many, since I was only there for the day of the football game but I know some of YOU have good ones). Mark (MESCHELL) MILOSCIA is another of the handful among us that has an offspring in the same suit in which we started 20-plus years ago. I didn’t write their daughter’s name down, but I do remember that the Zoo extends the option to next-generation cadets to enter the same squadron as their parent(s). Nice touch.

(703)690-2741 E-mail: warddennis@earthlink.net Percent members: 39

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JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

Itftr

Bret Hyde, R.I.P. Many have heard by now that our classmate Bret HYDE passed

away in January after a long and courageous battie with A.L.S (Lou Gehrig’s disease). My best memories of Bret are from our time as second lieutenants when

he welcomed me to Wright-Pat as my sponsor; I know that the generosity and good humor he showed me then were characteristic of his life. Bryan KELCHNER has a moving tribute to Bret in this issue’s Gone But Not Forgotten section.

Reunion Info Honest! The dates are finally set for our 20 th reunion. Mark your calendars for October 10-14. Reunion Central is the Embassy Suites hotel a mile from the South Gate and the formal schedule kicks off with a golf tournament and Prep School open house on Thursday. Friday brings the USAFA open house, memorial service, class photo, and dinner buffet for the whole darn class.

Saturday features a class tailgate before the Falcons beat Wyoming and squadron gatherings afterward. Sunday we shake off the hangovers and say goodbye.

At this writing, volunteers are still needed to coordinate some of the activities; contact Randy WORRALL (rworrall@mindspring.com) or Jay SANTEE (santee@macol.net), both of whom are doing yeoman’s work getting these festivities together.

And keep updated by checking our class website, www.usafa81.com, for which Rich TRENTMAN is the macho honcho. of he sent out an e-mail asking for a CS-35 squadron party coorSpeaking Jay, dinator. Karl JAGSTADT immediately sprang into action to volunteer me. Nice Karl!

Reminds me of when we were three degrees and you pimp, signed everyone else up for weekend CQ duty. Karl and wife Dee (HORNBOSTLE) are living outside Atlanta, where he’s a 737 F/O for Delta and she is an Airbus F/O with FedEx. Coaching the youngest of their three kids on the soccer fields Saturday mornings, Karl sees Hank LANE, also coaching his youngest. Karl’s mind is a little addled by age but he’s pretty sure Mike POTKULSKI is in Macon captaining an MD-88 for Delta and has two kids.

More Babies. ‘81ers continue to multiply, despite our advanced age. Con (“Conal the Barbarian”) and Mary BRADY welcomed Georgi Anne in January— their fifth in six years (nothing like lighting the afterburner late in the takeoff roll). Con is toughing it out in Hawaii and is using his long tenure with Aloha Airlines to secure not a left seat but the perfect schedule as a 737 F/O; home in bed each night and lots of time to fly the F-15 with the Hawaii Guard. Con, you are more cunning than we ever believed possible, and that’s a compliment. Really. Sources also tell us that Joe WOOD and Merrie (CRAIG) CRAIG-WOOD (I -

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don’t think the Checkpoints staff anticipated the modern marriage when they established that name convention) recently welcomed their second daughter, which by my reckoning would make three little WOOD-(CRAIG) CRAIG-WOODs

running around down there at Pope.

Someone they might run into is Bill NAPOLITANO, the newly installed comrd mander of the 23 Operational Support Squadron. His change-of-command was a veritable ‘81 reunion, with Bill taking over from another ‘81er, Mike KULKULSKI, and receiving his command from the very same Joe WOOD, who’s commanding the 23 rd Fighter Group. Other '81ers at Pope include Paul MONTGOMERY, with the 2 nd Airlift Squadron; Kirk JOHNSON, their chief pilot; Chuck SCHNEIDER, commander of the 74 th Fighter Squadron, now deployed to Kuwait; and Alan rd BABCOCK, 43 OSS ops officer. John REIDY recently PCSd from Pope to Korea.

Now see, that’s a quality update thanks, Bill.

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pinned on 18 months ago because he is the vice president’s personal doc and it carries colonel’s rank, sort of like permanent professors at the Zoo. But Dick made colonel the honest way; you gotta believe that anyone who is the VP’s doc these days is earning his pay. Bryan also ran into Rick SPRADLIN, who was spying for Luke during Tyndall’s ORI. Dave LITTLE managed to make Bill LOVELACE’S retirement ceremony in March. Bill has gone to work as director of operations for Kallman Worldwide, a firm that puts on trade shows and exhibitions. That’s Kallman as in Tom

KALLMAN, who is president and CEO. Our confidential sources tell us Bill will be working on the Aviation World’s Fair 2003 in Newport News-Williamsburg, th celebrating the 100 anniversary of powered flight (you know, that stuff from

Contrails we had to read) and modestly billed as “the most comprehensive aviafree tickets to the air-conditioned VIP tent for all classmates?

You Betcha. Received an update on Tom FERGUSON, who has been in Minnesota flying for Northwest since 1989, with a hiatus when he was reactivated to fly tankers during the Gulf War. Tom and Roxann (Goetz ‘82) are raising three daughters, 10, 7, and 6.

JohnnyO! Johnny OLIVARRIA is another ‘81er who loves retired life. Johnny passed on the Air Force’s offer to extend him and retired out of the Special Ops SPO at Wright-Pat; he is now a pricing analyst with NCR in Dayton and very happy.

Yikes! A nervous glance at my editor reveals that pitiless creature eyeing my word count and sharpening his knife, so prudence says I should close. While I usually never argue with her, this time I say “Down with editor tyrants and their word counts! Let’s stuff this mag chock full of ‘81 news!” So send me some. AND tion event ever held.” Sounds cool

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PHOTOS. And have a great summer.

Jim Ratti Bill Napolitano (center) receives his squadron command from Joe Wood, who

has snatched it from Mike "Koko” Kukulski (right). Looking on and thinking, “Jeez, another one I gotta train, is the squadron first sergeant. ”

News From the Rock. Lennie COLEMAN banged out a quick note from Kunsan, where several of our classmates are enduring remote tours. Lennie is the Deputy Ops Group commander and will depart for senior service school at Mun’gumry in May.

Pete COSTELLO is the 8

th

OSS commander and will take his SSS in the

genteel halls of the People’s Republic of Harvard this summer nice duty! Colonel Dan WYMAN is also at the Rock and, according to Lennie, splits his time between commanding the medical group and reminding his classmates that he was the smart one in the bunch. Lennie is looking forward to his stateside return -

and USAFA football. He expects the Falcons to win more games this fall than “when we helped them catch ‘Falcon Fever.’” By that I think he means more games than they won our entire four years there. Incidentally, the Falcons start the season at home against the national champion Oklahoma Sooners. I’m sure the altitude will doom those flatlanders.

Lennie arrived in Korea from Moody, where ‘81 representation has been extraordinarily high. At one point all three of the fighter squadrons were commanded by 81 ers the 68 th by Andy MORGAN, the 69 th by Lennie, then Mo BEALE; and the 70 th by Steve RUEHL. Andy is headed to AWC and Mo to Kunsan in May, but John EUNICE is the CE squadron commander and Jeff BRALEY is the interim chief at wing plans.

Got a note well, more of an outline from Ed KNOX, who’s here in (location unspecified) Northern Virginia, working for a (unspecified) contractor, doing (unspecified). Ed’s wife, Denise, is a blue-suiter working (unspecified) and they occasionally run into other ‘81ers in the area the Fred MARTINs, the Fred WEISHOFFs, and the Derk WYBENGAs but it’s unclear where or what any of them are doing. Ed, put some meat on those informational bones next time, willya? Ed is also doing stand-up comedy all over the country whenever possible I’m sure it won’t be long before Letterman and Leno are in a bidding war for ‘

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him, so keep an eye on those TV listings.

‘81 Central pretty much describes J-8 at the Pentagon, where Marty FRANCE, Sam ANGELELLA, Leonard HEAVNER and Greg BISCONE are awaiting the arrival of Jim MCKINNEY this spring. Marty confides to me that their big project is laying the conceptual framework for the impending issuance of berets to all Air Force members very hush-hush stuff, so let’s not spread this around.

Terry POBST-MARTIN wrote from Idaho, where she’s enjoying an idyllic retirement (at least, that’s what I imagine it must be, when I’m sitting in Beltway traffic). Actually, Terry points out that retired life principally means wearing different clothes to work. Terry says that A.J. BRITSCHGI is now commanding the Strike Eagle squadron at Mountain Home and Ken BYRD ended up in the Springs at Space Command following AWC. Tony HINEN is about to start War College in Pakistan. Tony is going there via “Did you volunteer?” “Not exactly,” but he, LouAnne, Jeremy the Hertz plan -

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and Josh are determined to make an adventure out of it. And what the heck as a consolation prize, Mother Blue is flocking him to colonel before his departure. th Tony is currently the 6 Ops Group deputy commander at MacDill, and his boss -

is A.J. STEWART.

Bryan FUNKE is at Tyndall but headed to Columbus, MS this spring to be commander of the medical group there congrats! Bryan spied Dick TUBB’s name turns out Dick on the medical corps 0-6 list and called to congratulate him -

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Class of 1981 20th Reunion/Homecoming USAFA vs. Wyoming 10-14 October 2001

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6329 Pheasant Valley Road

Dayton, OH 45424-7100 Home: (937) 236-9306/DSN: 785-9660 X281

rattijm@mindspring.com http: / / usafa82. org Percent members: 37

First off, thanks to all of you who sent Christmas letters. I got a total of seven

(not counting my own), and it was a kick reading all of them and seeing what

you’re up to these days. You can read them all by going to the website (http:// usafa82.org), and clicking on the “Xmas Letters” button, but here are a few highlights. Chris RUSSICK is retired from the USAF, and lives in Peoria, IL where he took over his father-in-law’s financial management business. He and his family are doing great, and his wife is pregnant, due in late March. Steve VOGT sent a quite clever letter modeled after the Survivor television series. He used his fam-

ily as the cast, and described a summer vacation to the beach. You’ll have to go to the website and read the letter to find out who the ultimate survivor was though.

Needless to say, his (rather sizeable) brood is doing just fine.

Brian BRANBY sent his annual Zelienople Dispatch “from a town whose name no one but a resident can pronounce,” about 25 miles north of Pittsburgh PA. US Airways pilot Brian, his wife, and three young ‘uns (one of whom is a teenageh) are all doing very well. Scot SHIER’s Christmas letter brought with it some great pictures of his quints, who turned five this past January. Life has been very good for them, with lots of news coverage as the kids grow up. The Shiers even got to pass on some sage advice about “instant families” to another southern California couple who had quints in March. You can read all the details (and find links to the Shier’s website) on the ‘82 website.

Dean MILLS fired off his Christmas letter and picture along with the news that he’s destined to be the next 1 st Group AOC at USAFA this coming June. He and his family are currently finishing up a year of school at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF) in D.C. He’s already looking forward to parachuting into the football game during our 20 th reunion! If you want to be nice to Dean, send him an e-mail to refresh him on some of our old cadet “tricks of the trade” so that he can update his 19-year-old memory. Of course, if you don't want to be nice to him, e-mail the tricks to the Dodo editor...

Eddie Mac McALLISTER’s Christmas missive brought news that he’s the commander of the 374 th Ops Support Sq at Yokota. He and his family are enjoying their tour, and have already taken vacations to places like Indonesia, Alaska, Hawaii, China, Korea, and Singapore. The children are in Japanese schools, and have picked up the language like pros. My last Christmas letter was from Sharon (VAUGHAN) CRONIN. She’s enjoying life in Massachusetts, now that their European tour (Brussels, I believe it was) is over. Her husband (Tom) retired but is working at Hanscom (1+ hour commute!) on the CAESAR program as an employee of ACS Defense.

In other news, Bob NISSEN wrote a quick note from USAFA, where he’s the commander of the 557 th Flying Training Squadron. All of us who went off to pilot th training will remember the days at the 557 frozen in fear during standup EPs (emergency procedures). Bob and I had a volley of e-mails back and forth as he described a number of substantial changes that have taken place there since we graduated. You’ll recall that the flying program at USAFA went through some rough times as the T-3 program unraveled. My personal view is that the airplane was fine we in the Air Force simply had a training issue with the instructors.

No matter what though, it sounds like they’ve come up with a good solution, th and Bob “has the stick” to make it work. The 557 transitioned back to USAFA effective 1 Oct last year, and they use the USAFA aero club and eight other civilian training centers between Denver and C-Springs to provide 50 hours of training to pilot-qualified cadets. The students even score a private license out of the deal, and the Academy saves a boatload of money in the process. There’s also a ,

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program for Nav-qualified cadets called Navigator Introductory Flight Training (NIFT, or “nifty” for short) which gives them formal ground school and 20 hours

of flying time.

Although all of this training is largely performed off site, the goal th FTS oversight

is to bring it back to USAFA via a civilian contractor, with 557 (much like Hondo was run back in our days).

Others in

our

ranks

are

squadron commanders now as well.

Dan

CIECHANOWSKI dropped a quick e-mail to tell me that he took command of the 564 th Missile Squadron at Malmstrom AFB MT in July. And Carl ZIMMERMAN

updated me on his e-mail address as he finished up the first year of his tour as the 423 rd Air Base Wing Commander/Installation Commander for RAF Molesworth, RAF Alconbury, and RAF Upwood.

Jim and Mary PILLAR are proud parents (for the fourth time) as of 1 March, following the arrival of Matthew Conrad Samuel Ortega Pillar. At 20 V2 inches and 8 Vi pounds, he’s only slightiy longer than his name!

Jim ALEXANDER sent his first class news update in 19 years, and gave me all the standard “no excuse sir” excuses: "I had a flat tire; I left my car keys in my other pants; I didn’t have correct change for the bus; my dog ate my update; I had amnesia; I overslept my combat nap; there was an earthquake; a terrible flood.” Even with all that difficulty in his life, Jim sounds pretty darned good.

He’s an MD-80 captain for American in Ft. Worth, and has been improving his hangar at Hicks airfield in anticipation of buying a light aerobatic aircraft this summer. His son is taking flying lessons, and my guess is that Jim feels it’s safer for his son to turn an airplane upside down than to practice acrobatic maneuvers in the family mini-van. The best part of his e-mail was links to a couple of great pictures from our cadet days. One shows Jim, Glenn PAYNE, and Steve VISLISEL looking like the quintessential lab-coated scientist geeks, assessing the data collected during their Estes rocket (er, I mean developmental ICBM) test launch during Astro 101. The other is of a group of classmates carrying out an th unauthorized, well after-hours, Firstie party in their 20 Sq AOC’s office. My favorite part is the hand engraved rosewood plaque (bought with ‘81’s squadron slush fund money), which reads, “Patriotism cannot be minimized!” Jim says he and the other Tough Twenty Trolls are still trying to figure out what it meant. At any rate, you can visit the website and see these pictures for yourself. Click on the “Updates” button, then choose the Jan-Mar 2001 button on the Class News Updates page which appears. Then click on Jim’s name, and you’ll see links to the pictures. Vintage stuff!

My last bit of news is from Sue (GRANT) GUNNING, who was lamenting the two full novels and one novella due deadlines she’s facing with her publisher

by December. She wanted to announce the release of her latest book, The Star King, which is available through Amazon.com, several other online retailers, and —

most bookstores.

Sue says it’s a blend of Star Wars and romance, and should

appeal to “anyone who likes Friday night movies with popcorn in other words, it’s fun!” There are links to her websites and to portions of the book itself on the ‘82 website. Click on the “Updates” button, then choose the Jan-Mar 2001 button on the Class News Updates page which appears. Then click on Sue’s name.

In closing, I’d like to editorialize a bit. When we ordered our class rings those many years ago, I chose “The Sky is Not the Limit” for my inscription. I did so because I felt (and still do feel) that there would inevitably be a separate Space Force one of these days. The analogies to the separation of the Air Force from the Army after World War II are just too striking! In the past 10 years or so, we’ve begun to hear a few rumbles about the need (or lack of need!) for a new Service to best serve the needs of the space community and our national interests, and the polarization has begun. While the corporate USAF position espoused by Gen Ryan and Mr. Peters is that we don’t need a new Service, a recent Congressional panel chaired by Donald Rumsfeld makes the case that we should stand up a ‘Space Corps” (much like the Army Air Corps) within the next 6-10 years, and that nothing should be done in the meantime to “preclude eventual evolution toward a Space Department, if that proves desirable.”

I’m considering adding a section to our class website which would have links to published articles and editorials on both sides of this issue, and I may even add a section where people could post their own comments. I’d be interested in hearing from you if this “separate Service” idea touches a nerve, and to hear what you think about adding a section to the website to foment discussion. Who knows one of you may become the next Billy Mitchell!

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Until next time, Be Safe!

Jon Duresky

It is not often that I anoint myself as The Chosen One, but tonight I will. I will elect myself, with no recount, the president of the Mid-Life Crisis Club, on the basis of having five ‘Yes” answers to the above quiz. Reference the cool car picture, all 325 horses of Camaro Super Sport. My family just had to be in the picture, too! Reference my new hobby, scuba diving, accomplished on my exotic Christmas vacation to Cozumel. Can you say "90 feet deep on Christmas Day?” I can, and we were! Now for my fourth and fifth “Yes” answers, you’ll just have to read along. So if any of you presidential wannabees think you can top me for having a crisis, I say, “Just bring it, dude. Just bring it!”

Jon, Brenda, Jeffrey, and Kendal Duresky, styling in Mid-Life-Crisis Wheels.

I need someone to serve as my #2 man, my vice-president. Pat FROST, you get

the job, by virtue of also having five ‘Yes” answers. This year VP Pat bought a

fancy new truck, went on a skiing vacation to the exotic locale of Keystone, CO, tried (unsuccessfully) to snowboard at same locale, and had a German schnitzel and beer-induced expanded waistline, thanks to a two-month rotation to Ramstein. I am pleased to report that the waisdine was rapidly reduced, after he spent another seven weeks at the Body by PSAB fitness club. That is Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, in the heat of the summer. He replaced me as the C130 squadron commander in Saudi Arabia, which meant that he had his hands full cleaning up the mess I left him. Pat is now an ops officer at Dyess AFB, scaring everyone with his kind and gende nature.

Speaking of PSAB, the place was overrun with ‘83ers this summer. I spent 63 lovely days there, made tolerable by having some buds around. Greg “Mozam” DZOBA and I shared the same day room and even had to clean it for SAMIs. No kidding. USAFA training paying off, 20 years later. The Mozam was chief of F-16 airspace, quite a job, considering we are still at war in the Gulf, the public just doesn’t know it. Mike BARTLEY and Jeff KENDAL were at PSAB, too. F-15andF16 (mid-life crisis club) squadron commanders. Good guys, though. Fighter jocks, and they even pretended to be friends with me, a Herk-driving airlifter. Tom JAEGER, a KC-135 IP, was there to support heavy drivers, as we enjoyed the best beverages Saudi had to offer: bottled water 24 hours a day. Tom is stationed at McConnell, and when he is not deployed to sunny locales, sees Kyle SMITH, Chuck LEE, and Todd BOESDORFER around his base. I guess he also sees his wife and three sons occasionally, but with the AF TDY, nothing is certain. I can’t remember the rest of the ‘83ers who spent their summer in Saudi, but that is to be expected. The sun fried all of our brains.

Some people never get tired of going to college. Air War College, that is. Billy “Scales” WALKER and Gary HARENCAK will both be heading to LA (lower Alabama, Maxwell AFB) this August, becoming students at the AF’s senior service school, training factory for generals-to-be. They’re both (mid-life crisis club) st squadron commanders right now, Billy leads the 1 Heli at Andrews AFB, and th Gary leads the 28 Bomber Sq, here at Dyess. Gary also revealed to me this very day that he’s buying a Corvette. He told me that in confidence, but I had my fingers crossed when I said his (crisis) secret was safe with me!

Airline pilots can be in the Crisis Club, too. (No, not the crisis of the Dow and NASDAC taking a tumble.) They become captains, and realize that they are old.

Happened to Bob ULICH, Robert GREGOR, and Jerry VARNER. Lots of others, too, but they didn’t write me. I bet a few of them took cool vacations and bought exotic cars, too. Welcome to the Club, boys and girls!

5342 Western Plains Ave.

Abilene, TX 79606 Home: (915) 698-7850/DSN: 461-4147 Home: DureskyJB@aol.com

Office Jon.Duresky@Dyess.af.mil Percent members: 38

Classmates, Take this short quiz. Answer “Yes” or “No.” A. I bought a fancy new (bright red sports) car within the past 12 months.

B. I went on an exotic vacation within the past 12 months.

C. I “upgraded” to a larger pants/suit/dress size since my last birthday.

D. I took up a new “dangerous” sport.

My spouse and I had a baby.

(Group/Wing) Commander, responsible for the well being of countless impressionable troops.

G. I upgraded to an airline captain, and can finally land the plane anytime I E.

F. I am/was a Squadron

want.

If you answered “Yes” even one time, Congratulations! You are a proud memher of the “mid-life crisis club,” the population of which is growing almost as fast as our collective

40-something waistlines.

Don’t fret; you’re in excellent company. Sit a spell with me. This is my annual 15 minutes of fame, as I regale you with tales of our classmates, as we conquer the world, one rank at a time, and fight off those mid-life and career blues.

th

Jerry Varner, after having his teeth removed for his 40 birthday, refuses to ever smile again.

I ran into Jim OGDEN at Ramstein last fall. He was the ops officer for his de-

ployed C-130 squadron. He had just rolled into town, so his belly had not yet expanded from German beer and brauts. He showed me an interesting home97

made graphic, comparing USAFA GPAs with current jobs held, cross-referenced to a number of classmates. What we determined: heaven help the AF if it lets dumb bunnies like us have the keys to the shop.

On the “be fruitful and multiply” front, Mitch and Liz DELAROSA had an addition to the family. Trying to recapture lost youth, they answered “Yes” to question E above, bringing their total clan to six. Mitch is still active duty, currently

hanging his hat at Eglin AFB, Florida.

mander. Others in his class are: Bill CHANGOSE and John ZAZWORSKY, both C17 squadron/CCs at Charleston; and Tracy COLBURN, taking over the 1 st Heli at Andrews. As I perused the AETC command list the other day, I saw BRISBON, Harris Leonard. The Bris, influencing young minds. That almost sounds like a

bumper sticker one might see on the back of a ‘60s-era VW van. A final word from Bill SPACY: he says that Norm BROZENICK is heading to Stanford Univ for a fellowship of some sort. We’ll probably see him in that VW van with the bumper sticker pretty soon. Oh, lest I forget. Bill SPACY bought himself a fancy new car, too. A Beemer, which he parks in his Sq/CC parking slot. Very (mid-life crisis) cool.

Ray “RDQ” BLUST is worried about his place in history. It seems that a previlisting of AOG members did not list him as a member. He was up day and night wondering if future history books would look upon this kindly and if a ous

revisionist historical scholar would see and correct the oversight. Not to worry, I hereby state for the record that Ray is a life member of the AOG. He challenges us who are not life members to match him, and not merely say, “No excuse, Sir!” And speaking of Big Guy, Ray had a (mid-life crisis) knee operation last year. His wife, Julie, calls it “routine maintenance on a 41-year-old.” I think differendy. Face it, how much pounding can a knee take? Ray, poor guy, suffers

Big Guy.

from accumulated macrotrauma to the knee. His knee has since recovered, but for how long is it safe? Poor, suffering Ray and Julie...

Ray sent along this great picture of a plethora of liaison officers on an annual exotic (mid-life crisis) vacation to where else?

Colorado Springs and the USAFA! The eclectic gang is about half and half airline pilots and entrepreneurs, engaged in a wide variety of activities, of which some might even be legal. I, however, prefer to look upon this aging group as my Presidential Cabinet for the Mid-Life Crisis Club. Set policy, plan vacations, keep me from dispensing too many questionable pardons. Pictured: Greg LLOYD and wife, Linda, Kevin CANNON, Mike MORGAN, Phil HAMM, Alonso “Athens 2004” BABERS, Kevin “I have a blister from too much golf’ CARRENO, Mark ABBOTT, and Glenn SEITCHEK. —

The Mitch DeLaRosa Clan

The COMPAGNOs are always good for a paragraph or two. This year they check in from Columbus AFB, MS, having departed Scott AFB last fall. Mavis (THORPE) is a T-l instructor, enjoying flying the line with students thirsting for knowledge.

Vince is the busy one: international Delta 767 pilot, visiting Europe and South America, an Academy liaison officer (his new “dangerous sport”), and in keeping with the "whole person” concept, taking ACSC by correspondence! Even Reservists have to jump through hoops. Vince and Mavis took an exotic vacation, too. They played cowpeople at a dude ranch in the Colorado mountains.

No word if they plan on becoming (mid-life crisis) ranchers after Mavis pins on her first star. I’ll let you know in a few years.

If you are not on Eli POWELL’s holiday letter mailing list, you do not know what you are missing. He is the chief of orthopedic surgery at USAFA, and the chief doc for Falcon sports, especially football. His tales of the interaction of his kids with Coach Fisher DeBerry, as well as his accounts of daily life in the Powell household in Monument, CO, right outside the North Gate, made my ample belly jiggle with laughter. His family (mid-life crisis) exotic vacation: to San Jose, CA, where our Fighting Falcons won the Silicon Valley Bowl. His wife, Judy, was just thrilled to spend most of their holiday in a hotel around a football team, instead of on their planned ski vacation to exotic Winter Park. I would guess that Eli had some making up to do. Judy also took up the new “dangerous” sport in the family, playing in a soccer league with 20-year-olds, and generaRy whipping them soundly.

I’m using this article as an “Open Letter to Eli.” Put all of your classmates on your mailing list! Spend that doctor’s board-certified specialty pay on stamps!

Don’t deprive anyone of your wit! The world will be a much better place with your literary talents, wit, and optimism spread around. Really!

Chris MOULTON is probably looking for his name about now, hoping not to be included in my Crisis Club. Sorry, pal. You bought a huge new SUV, you’re a squadst ron commander (61 AS at Little Rock), leaving you less time to work out, and more mandatory lunches to attend.

Can you say "Waist size 36 uniform pants, please,” as you make a trip to clothing sales? I count at least three ‘Yes” answers, not including vacations or sports. You’re a charter member of the Club. Just don’t nd get upset and send your 2 degree blackbelt son down to Abilene to setde the score.

Getting whupped by a 16-year«-old would make my crisis even worse...

I have made a few jokes as I’ve told you about some of our classmates, but now I want to be serious for a while. We need to send a “Thank you, God” prayer to the Man Upstairs for helping, and continuing to help Jeff and Ellen (NELSON, Class of ‘84) FIEBIG through some difficult times. While on an exotic family (midlife crisis) vacation to Maui last year, Jeff lost a one-on-one battle with a monstrous wave. He was slammed viscously into the sand. He was semi-paralyzed, and had to wear a neck brace for a while. The good news is that he is fully recovered, back at work, (United Airlines captain, and Reserve frocked 0-6, the Suplooks like he has a lot of “Yes” answers, too!) and port Group CC at Luke AFB back in the gym full time. Ellen also went through difficult times, battling a serious illness. Few women exist in this world who have a better physical, mental, and emotional makeup than Ellen. Add that to the support her circle of family and friends gave her, and she beat the illness, but still needs our prayers daily.

She’s also back in the gym with Jeff. We are thankful that they successfully weathered a bad storm. Monument, CO real estate agents are thankful, too. Jeff and Ellen built a huge house on 2.5 acres, almost within hearing distance of doolies calling minutes for the Noon Meal Formation. Nostalgia!! Jeff has houses all over the world. You’ve heard of Trump Towers? “Bigsville” will soon be equally as famous! Jeff also reports that Dave WRIGHT has retired and joined The Dark Side: he started United Airlines training this spring, wants to be domiciled in Denver, buy a house in Monument with Jeff and Eli Powell, then the three of them can take turns calling minutes.

Now for news from the Scott AFB Charm School, aka the AMC Squadron Commander’s introductory course. Bill SPACY in attendance. He is the OSS/CC here at Dyess. We work in the same building (I am blessed with the wonderful job of the group deputy commander for Inspections. I would much rather be flying the line like the youngsters, but I am not having a crisis!) and see each other daily. Bill recently spent two weeks at Scott, learning how to be a good com —

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LOs returning to the Womb: On vacation to Colorado Springs.

My 15 minutes of fame are up for another year. I hope everyone enjoyed this update. If you did, e-mail me and then follow up with a moneygram (reference earlier car picture and vacation story my money tree is also a victim of the west Texas drought). In any case, keep the info coming. If you want something included, send it to me, Ray, Dave Rufiley, or the AOG, and we will see that Pass In Review!

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your life story reaches our millions of faithful readers all over the world.

Remember my mantra. Make backup files. Check gear down. Check six. And now let’s

add, “Play safe, hard, and healthy.” Happy Birthday and many more.

Mike Jensen 12035 Milam Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908

W i|P

(719) 338-3570 E-mail: jens@usafa.com Home page: www.usafa.net/1984 Percent members: 30

Thanks for the updates! Spring Break is about to hit the Rockies, and I am ready.

Can you believe it was about 20 years ago when we were going on Spring Break

after enduring a tortuous “Hell Week”? Now it is the “nasty nano-second” or some related “feel-good approach” to development. Ah, those were the days! I hope each and every one of you is doing well. This football season promises to be an exciting one, as the Falcons take on the defending National Champion Oklahoma Sooners on Parents’Weekend. I hope you have the opportunity to see it. Falcon Stadium will be packed! Also for those who were at the last Navy game at Annapolis, you saw a great game and had a great tailgate before and after. I hope we get another great turnout at the pre and post game tailgate this year. Please keep me updated on any activities you have in your area as they relate to AFA. Dan BEHNE checked in. He has been at the NRO the last four years and will be at its mission partner, NIMA, the next four total of eight years in the D.C. area, (so we should see him at the Navy Game!) He and his wife, Anne, have four children. They all play basketball, baseball, soccer, piano, et al and like all of us, the kids’ schedules keep everyone moving. Paul KELLNER is still at Holloman AFB flying the F-117, waiting for the AFPC gurus to decide his next assignment. He is currendy the OSS Life Support officer. Last summer (June 2000), he did get to do an air show with the F-117 at Mildenhall AB, England and in Berlin, Germany.

His son Scott has bridged over to Boy Scouts recently and earned his arrow of —

light award. Another son, John, is finishing kindergarten. His wife, Bobbie, continues to keep things running at home while practicing law in Alamogordo and

teaching at the local branch of NMSU. Ben COFFEY is also there. Fie is the 746 They are both working on Air War College and looking forward to being finished soon. Paul has also spoken to John O’HAIR who is at Patrick AFB, FL, and John BAKER, who is at Randolph AFB, TX. Jerry DAVIDSON

Test Squadron commander.

has been in Charleston SC for close to seven years now. Went to CHS in ’93 as Initial Cadre C-17 and has been doing it ever since. He got off active duty May ’98 at the 14-year point and walked about 100 yards to the C-17 associate Reserve wing. He is also working for Northwest Airlines. Married to Kari, and they have two of the busiest, and outstanding young kids, Garrett-8, and Grant-4, not to mention Pepper (the dog), Blaze (the fire-bellied toad), Red (the fish), and other lizards, toads, and insects that somehow find temporary homes in their house.

Jack FORSYTHE finally had something to report! He is at Shaw AFB, flying the mighty Viper (Block 50), and has recently been named the operations officer of the 79FS (Tigers). Needless to say, he is stoked! He also ran into Bruce ELLWEIN at the Senior Leader Maintenance Course at Langley. He told me he and family are doing great. He is off to F-15 RTU in May and then to Kadena AB, Japan this summer. Ray MEINHART is currently at the State Department in the Pol-Mil Bureau, dealing with Middle East regional security issues as they relate to arms

in Southern California for the past year. He has been a district manager for Circuit City for the past seven years. He and wife, Crystal, have two and a half kids...

they are expecting another in Sept.

He spoke with Doi HECKLER who opened

his third Thai restaurant in Houston.

Randy BRANDENBURG and family are living outside of Boston and are doing great.

Julia PHIFER and her two children (Cassandra and Michael) live in the D.C. area and have maintained contact with several

’84 grads who have been in the Andrea CLARK took a new position with FedEx at their headquarters in Memphis, TN. Bettina HAMILTON (PHANORD) moved with her husband, C.L. area.

HAMILTON, and two children (Tess and Sinclaire) to Miami, FL to pursue a doctoral degree. C.L. continues to fly the friendly skies with United.

And in conclusion: I look forward to seeing you in the future. Ifyouareeverin the area, please feel free to give me a call. Go FALCONS ERS! Jens

NOONER the SOON-

Quintel Williams 6410 Katherine Ann Lane

transfers. Been in D.C. now three years. The first two and a half were at Air Force International Affairs (SAF/IA) developing international agreements to do armaments cooperation with our allies. He and his wife, Ellen, have two girls, Lauren

Springfield, VA 22150

w

E-mail: USAFA1985@aol.com Percent members: 37

(4) and Brooke (1). The photo is of his Lt Col promotion ceremony, officiated by Lt Gen Tome Walters, the director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The first photo has Gen Walters, his mom, Ray, his wife, his sister, and daughters.

—

Let’s start off with some great news!

Congratulations to all of our 180 or so (by

my scrub, using the 2000 Register of Graduates and the official promotion list posted on-line) new lieutenant colonel selects! Additionally, Jackie

CHARSUAGUA, our former class scribe, made the Communications Squadron Commander’s list for 2001.

Good news kept coming in for the Williams family though. Our first and only child, Kristen Renee Williams, was born March 5, 2001 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD one week before the deadline for these Checkpoints inputs were due. Of course, I ran out to get our film developed as quickly as possible so that I could scan a picture into my computer and attach it to this article. We thank God for finally answering our prayers for a child.

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Ray Meinhart pins on 0-5.

Rob HEMKER, long-time reader, first time writer, sent in an update! He graduated out of CS-17, Econ major, and water polo player. After graduation, he went into Acquisition and worked at an Air Force plant representative office (they no longer exist) at Hughes Aircraft Company in Los Angeles and picked up an MBA while in L.A. After working in that extremely civilian environment, he decided to volunteer for a base-level assignment to see what the real AF was like. He worked as a Cost & Management Analysis chief at Grand Forks, ND for two years. He got out at the end of 1989; by fate ended up in the recruiting business in Houston.

Their specialty is junior officers who want to get on the executive development path in business. Married in early 1985 to Rebecca, an accountant from Colorado Springs who he met while at the Academy. They have a 14-year-old daughter (that just cruised through 5' 10") and 12-year-old son who dreams of attending USAFA and flying jets. He said Ed POGUE is at UPS and Gerry Veldhuizen builds custom homes. He also ran into Dave PHIFER, on an interview board for high school kids trying to get into the academies.

Dave “Moon” MULLINS finally got his e-mail through, and was kind enough to give us a great list of updates. He is currently working at the Pentagon (workspecial ops policy). Tom “Dingo” DOYNE is also there, ing in OSD SO/LIC working on the Air Staff in XOXS (Strategy), along with Marianne IDZI-EGAN. Steve ALDERFER is currendy at Mildenhall in the 67th SOS (MC-130P). Mike TORINO is flying C-130s out of Litde Rock. Don GRESHAM finished up at HQ USSOCOM in Tampa last year, and is flying C-5s out of Dover again. Mark MILLER is at Andrews AFB flying Gulfstreams in the 89th AW. Kermit GETZ is at Charleston AFB flying C- 17s. David GOODWILL is doing the same out of McChord AFB. Wayne POST is stationed in Washington and is trying to stay longer than the four years he already has been there. Scott VANGORDER is stationed there also working at DIA HQ. Mike CLOSE lives in the D.C. area and flies for FEDEX. Marty SHANS is flying F-15s out of Tyndall. Alan BRIDGES is flying MH-53s out of Kirtland AFB, NM. Doug FULLER left the Pentagon last year, and is flying B-52s out of Barksdale AFB. David BROWN, who cross-commissioned to the Army at graduation, is now a Ml Abrams battalion commander in Georgia at Ft Stewart.

Chris ROWZEE is still the Log Planner for the 189th AW in the Arkansas Air Guard here in Little Rock. Been there since Jan 99. Pat RYAN moved to Northwest Florida near Eglin AFB last June. He is no longer flying in the Coonass Militia and is about to start an IMA Reserve job at the Pentagon in SAF/IA (Secretary of the AF/ International Affairs). Still has one child (Alia, 2 1/2 years, growing like a weed) and one wife. (Congrats Pat!) He also still finds time to fly for United out of Miami on the 767. Ed LORENZINI and his wife, Elizabeth, and the kids (four) have been at Eglin AFB since Jul 00. He is the chief of the Commander’s Action Group for the Air Armament Center, which keeps him very busy. They are enjoying the beaches on the Gulf Coast and all the nice weather, but are still missing Colorado Springs and all of their friends there.

Liz (BECK) DELAROSA and her husband (’83) have run into Jamie DONALD who is also stationed at Hurlburt (flying helicopters) and has four kids. They have kids on the swim team and we go to the same church. Warren CLARK is out

Quintel holding Kristen, and Renee Williams.

I saw Doug BURNS at our XO Holiday Hall party in the Pentagon in December.

Like me, Doug and his son Andrew were enjoying some holiday munchies. I saw

Jon SIMS at our XOI Holiday Party at the Fort Belvior, VA Officers Club in Decernber

—

picture attached.

—

Jon Sims and Quintel Williams

Speaking of the holidays, I got a few Christmas cards. I heard from the LAMBERTs who are in Tampa, FL (see next photo), the RANDOLPHS (at Altus AFB, OK) and the CHARSAGUAs (at Offutt AFB, NE).

After the holidays, I saw Pat STONEHAM, Mike ULISSE and Frank GALLAGHER at a meeting at the National Security Space Architect (NSSA) office in January.

Pat and Mike work at the NSSA but Frank was TDY from Langley AFB, VA where

assigned to the AC2ISRC working future space requirements issues. Frank married Cammy Meyers last September 1999. Prior to the Center, Frank spent three years at Nellis as an instructor and DO at the Weapons School Space Division.

Frank said Kevin CLARK is still at the Weapons School as the DO for the Intelligence Division.

As promised at the end of the last Checkpoints (Winter 2001) article, here’s the rest of the scoop that Digger WELLS

dug up for us.

From Tim HEALY: “Four, is it really four Christmas cards I owe you, well that’s

what you get for associating with such a pathetic person such as myself! Your update is great; just reading some of those names brought back some great memories. You had it right, I am at the Weapons School at Nellis with “Cobra”

99

Bob Colella 324 Strickland Circle

Montgomery, AL 36115 (334) 396-6776 E-mail:

HUlf

rcolella@member.afa.org

Percent members: 32

Greetings from SAAS, I am taking a break from writing my thesis. I did manage to organize a photo shoot for all the ‘86ers at Maxwell going to SAAS or ACSC. Not everyone showed up Rob GIVENS is sending out the Form 10s for the noshows but here is the list of folks who are currendy at ACSC who could potendaily be in the photo. Have fun trying to find them!

—

—

The Lambert family, from left: Keith, Keitha, Faye and Marcus.

HARRIGIAN. I really lucked out. Although not as bizarre as a C-130 to F-lll transition, I have been jumping around a little. I was initial cadre for the HH-60 Division at the Weapons School back in ‘93-’96. In the summer of‘96 got picked up for test pilot school, so I went to Vance for nine months ofT-37 and T-38 flying and then a year of Naval TPS at Pax River, then a little over a year test flying the V-

ACSC: Merrill ARMSTRONG, Fred BACON, Tom BAILEY, Seth BEAUBIEN, Mark BEIERLE, Ernie BENAVIDES, Dean BRIDGER, Greg CAYON, Dondi COSTIN, Ed DENHOLM, Rex GIBSON, Harold HUGULEY, Andrew INGRAM, Austin JAMESON, Marty “McFly” MACNABB, Mike MARES, John MCDEVITT, Dan NORTON, Terry ORNER, Stella RENNER (GROOM), Todd SCOTT, Jeff SMITH, Dan SNY, Eric STEWART, Tom SZVETECZ, Khanh TRAN, Roger VINCENT Tom -

RUBY-ACSC Staff SAAS (Note the dark sunglasses

—

no

exposure to sunlight): Eric BEENE, Bob

COLELLA, Fred GAUDLIR Rob GIVENS, Frank ROSSI

22 Osprey, then got offered the command of the HH-60 Division back at Nellis in Aug 99, where I still am. My head is spinning just thinking about the last few moves. Kris and I are extremely happy: two kids, Erin (9), Connor (7), a dog and a cat. I am a ballet “mom” and soccer dad on the weekends. Life is great!!! I have no

idea where I will go next and I could <not> care less!!

I have the greatest

family, the best job I will ever have in the AF, and Vegas doesn’t suck. So, it is pretty much all bad news from here!

"The Weapons School and Nellis are great because we get to see so many folks

through. Some more folks to add to your list, Costa “Chachi” TZAVARAS is here, he is still flying Vipers, was the DO for the thunderchickens (if only all those adoring children knew what I know about him!), now is chief of stan/eval and come

flies with the aggressors). I saw Chris FUNK about eight months ago; he is still flying Vipers, but I can’t remember where. Also, about a year ago Mike MASUCCI and Dave FEDORS were still test pilots at Edwards, teaching at TPS and flying everything. Tommy HERNDON is on the PACAF staff and has been continuously overseas since flight school, in case any of you thought he had traveled to Mars. Dick FISH has three kids and is on the staff at SOCOM in Tampa. Kyle CUNNINGHAM has an acquisition job at Naval Air Systems command at Pax River buying V-22 simulators. I hope you’re doing great, keep those Christmas cards coming.”

A couple of footnotes: Stan COLGATE started with Delta about four months ago, but I don’t know where he is stationed, and Paul JEFFRIES had two of his cars cleaned by Bob PICKRELL. Bob reported the “finding” to me. Paul owns his own computer type business.

Mike FOSTER writes: “Hi Quintel, just a note to let you know that I gready appredate all the effort you put into being our class scribe. The first thing I read when I get Checkpoints is your class newsletter. Thanks again. Thought I would pass on what information I know about our classmates. Myself: PCSd to Fairchild from US STRATCOM in July, currendy 97th Air Refueling Squadron Operations Officer. Other classmates here are Dave ‘Doc’ ELLIS, 96th Air Refueling Squadron operations officer or soon to be, just PCSd from Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Don COMI, 92nd Operations Support Squadron assistant operations officer, just PCSd from US EUCOM. If I were a betting man, Don will be an operations officer soon. Curt HENRY will be here soon, PCSing from the Air Staff, but I am not sure what squadron he will be going to. We are all here as KC135 pilots trying to get used to life without navigators. Hopefully by the time you get this into a Checkpoints issue a lot of us will be done with sweating the upcoming promotion board. Good luck and thanks again.”

Danny TOPP wrote. “Hi All. I volunteered to be the class rep for the Rampart Range Chapter of the AOG. Right now I am trying to get a current list of all of us on the Front Range. If you are no longer in the area (this includes the whole state as far as I am concerned) let me know and I will take you off the mailing list. If you are in the area but don’t want to be bothered or if you don’t want your personal information on the chapter’s grad list let me know and I will take you off the list. If you know anyone that is in the area but not on the list, write to them and have them drop me a line. I am not doing this because I want to sell you a car, house or Amway. I thought it would be nice if we could get together more and the local chapter of the AOG is one way to do it. There are over 40 of us in the area that I know about. Even if you don’t want to join the AOG or local chapter, I think it would be great if we could get together on our own. I am not a big football fan so I would like to get together at something other than a football game.

We could go to a hockey or basketball game if that is what we prefer to do. We could get together at someone’s house and swap stories about where we have been and what have we been doing. Take care, Danny.”

Well, that’s all for now. Take care—Quintel.

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

100

There was one ‘85 guy in the photo, see if you can find him kind of a Where's it’s either James CVANCARA, ‘85, or Stephen MASTERS, ‘85.

Some things never change: When I sent out an e-mail for a class photo, I got the following from Khanh TRAN: Dear Bob, what is the “UOD?” I sent Skip HINMAN ‘88 over to ACSC to call minutes. As you can see from the photo, Khanh showed up dressed like everyone else.

Two of our classmates are staying for SAAS next year—Jeff SMITH and Stella (GROOM) RENNER good luck and good reading. One classmate, Jeff SWEGAL, is going to Leavenworth to attend SAMS I can only good luck to him as well imagine what Kansas will be like when Jeff leaves.

The latest Lt Col Board results just hit the street. Here are the folks who got picked up early. Congrats to all: + Janet AUGUSTINE (KISNER), Robert BROWN, * Gordon CAMPBELL, Tom FREESE, + Jeff GUSTAFSON’ + Daryl HAUCK (former Roadrunner roommate), Jeff * * Stella RENNER (GROOM), + Evan THOHUPY, Win IDLE, Brian OCONNOR * MAS, and + William THOMAS JR. (A indicates an AOG life member, a + indicates a yearly member, a blank means it is time to for some 0-5-selects to join the AOG) I just got back from a conference in D.C. that was mostly to look at my new desk at Checkmate (that is in the Pentagon for all you Alpha Geek/ 86 Flight Risks who are no longer in the military not that I am looking down on all the 404s running the dot.coms out there). At the conference I ran into Todd “Sledge” HARMER, T. BEAGLE, and Pam (REDDICK) BERGESON (I boxed her husband, Tom ’85; he kicked my dot.com). They all work in Checkmate as well. Mike PANARISI was also at the conference; he is at Ramstein as the chief of Strategy. I also ran into Wade THOMPSON ‘85 working in the cellar at the Pentagon. (I fought him in formation at UPT; he kicked my dot.com.)

I received the following letter from Yolandea WOOD (I fought her in Judo CJass; she kicked my Dot.com), “I am still up north at Grand Forks. I am chief, Wing Operations Plans. The latest change in my life is that I became a foster care provider.

Right now I have my first child, a 14-year-old girl. We have been “family” for three weeks. It has been going okay. Keeping busy- quilting, working out, rushing home to cook dinner and supervise homework, and occasionally I get to fly.

Next up I heard from Pete BAMPTON. “I am flying out of ATL on the MD 88.

(This is all some lingo that the Scribe doesn’t understand.) My sad story is as follows. I decided to turn down the bonus in ‘95 and got out. I did construction for a while and then got hired byValujet. They had the crash and I got furloughed.

I then flew corporate for a coal company. Finally, I got hired by Delta in August of ‘97.1 am acting the part of a bachelor all over again.”

Mike CLARK passed on an address change: mike.clark@mindspring.com He and family are at Andrews AFB flying the Gulfstream in the 99 Airlift Squadron Here are the ACSC updates: First up: Merrill ARMSTRONG. A quick catch-up since graduation... I went off to Laughlin AFB for UPT, graduating in Sep ‘87. I was awarded a C-14IB assignment to McGuire AFB. I was ecstatic about this assignment since I wanted to see the world and be close to my home, Dover DE (but not so close that I was stationed in my hometown!). I had a great time at McGoo and was glad to serve with several USAFA grads, most notably Tony TILLMAN, my bachelor-days roommate at McGuire; Mike MEADER, Hank JERONIMUS, Greg CAYON, Joe JOSE, Mike LOGRAND (Mike-Lo), and George Boo-Boo’ BUEMILLER to name a few. While there I met a beautiful lady from Philadelphia named Jackie, a social worker. We dated then married and, before leaving McGuire, had a child, a masculine child, we named Gregory (my MiniMe... He completes me!). After flying the Starlizard for almost seven years I moved —

Waldo thing

—

-

—

—

,

—

‘

—

to AMC HQ at Scott where I was an airlift planner and Conference Center chief (AV-boy). This was a great assignment as we met some new friends and reacquainted ourselves with old friends. Ken KIRK and Steve SCHLUMPBERGER were there with me as well as Carol (TRAVIS) VELDHUIZEN and Tim ROBINSON. Ken, Schlumpy and I went off to Travis AFB and the mighty KC-10. I did have on

enough time at home to make another Armstrong. This time we had a beautiful baby girl, Rebekah. She’s been a Daddy’s girl from day one. After four years we were tapped to move on to Maxwell AFB and ACSC. We have enjoyed our time here in school, four-hour days, weekend golf dates with my wife, trips to Disney World and New Orleans (Mardi Gras!). I don’t know how I’m going to adjust to the real AF in July! We’re off to Scott AFB again and TRANSCOM where I’ll be a Joint Mobility Operations planner. Home email: Jazzarmstr@aol.com

From left are Jackie (Momma), Rebekah, (Princess), Fred (Daddy), and Gregory

(Man-child).

boy, Jack. We’ve enjoyed the tour over here but look forward to a change of scenery this spring and plan on moving somewhere in the States where the sun does shine.

I’ve had a great run of flying assignments but didn’t want to take a non-flying job and push papers for a few years. As a result, we’re separating from active duty and I’m joining the seniority list at United. I’ll continue to fly C-130s in the Reserves.

‘We have a couple other ‘87 grads here as well. Bruce LACHARITE is chief of Group Plans and runs the exercise show for the all the Special Operations assets over here. I know he really likes that staff job, but once a month the schedulers talk him into sitting in the cockpit just to give him a change of scenery and get him away from his cell phone. Tommy TRAN is also a Talon II pilot here. He is a flight commander and will be taking over 7SOS Stan/Eval this spring. I ran into Balan AYAR and Blake PIERSON at the O’Club a few weeks ago. They were TDY on their way through town from McChord and heard there was free beer and food for the Major’s pinning on party at the O’Club. Balan is an ADO for the C-141 squadron and Blake is leaving active duty and probably heading to Alaskan Airlines.

‘Some other bits and pieces are: Dave GOULD works SOF Doctrine for SOCOM at MacDill. That job gives him a lot of time to play with PowerPoint presentations and he’s working on his 1000-hour patch. He and Jill have two boys, Wyatt and Austin. Jamie WHITELY works some high-speed job at the Pentagon that he never wants to discuss. He and Meling have four kids now (thankfully, they had a boy or Mel would be pregnant again) and love living in Virginia. In his free-time, Jamie has made a life’s work of collecting pieces of junk even the garbage men wouldn’t be interested in and turning it into something with a purpose. McGyver has nothing on him. Mark BOVA recently returned to the U.S. from a RAF exchange assignment to be a schoolhouse C-5 IP at Altus. He and Amy and their kids are now settling into their new surroundings at Altus AFB, OK. As a diehard Nebraska fan, Amy is going to have a ball in Oklahoma now they have a football team again. John KAFER came out of ACSC at Leavenworth and is now living in Virginia Beach. I’m not sure what he’s doing on the East Coast. However, he and Loretta recently had twin girls to add to their female cast and Kafe is now outvoted by a five to one count in his own household.

‘Tom and Melissa BEHNKE are in San Antonio at AFPC. He runs the F-15 as-

Dondi COSTIN shot me a line to tell me that a classmate, Jim KELLEY, was piloting a Space Shuttle mission I think as I write this, they are trying to get the trash all packed so they can come home. So congrats to Jim for following in Carol BOBKO’S ’59 footsteps (stick that in your trivia pipe and smoke it) Tom MENKER-SAWS and L.T. RUSS-SAMS were here for a war game last week.

Tom looks like a recruiting poster, L.T. looks like... well he looks like LT, and he is off to Davis-Monthan to work for SOUTHCOM. Assignment news: Harold HUGULEY is heading to San Antonio, TX. Followon assignment will be chief, Personnel Plans Division, HQ AETC/DPX. Wife, Cheryl, will be assigned to the Promotions Section at AFPC while Grantham and William, twin boys (age six) will negotiate a new athletic contract with Randolph Youth Sports Center.

Terry ORNER: “I’m off to Osan AB, Korea for 12 wonderful months at 7th AF.” Eric STEWARD: “I will continue to suffer in lonely silence in DIA’s Central MASINT office for my next assignment.”

Ernie BENAVIDES: “My follow-on assignment is at SAF/AQS where I will be the SBIRS PEM. This is good since I get to keep my house in Northern Virginia (my assignment before ACSC was at the NRO). I’m looking forward to going back as a Geo-bachelor... commuting to Virginia on the weekends is getting old.

Greg CAYON, who is my hero for having flown Air Force One (with you-knowwho, before the pillaging), is still waiting for an assignment.

Rex GIBSON is going to Miami: USSOUTHCOM J-5.

Seth BEAUBIEN, who never shuts up and can never just answer a simple question responded to my request for a Checkpoints update on his assignment out of school with, and I quote: “Fairchild, WA beau.”

Reni STELLA passed on some good news: “We just had our first child Remington Shane Renner was born 11 Jan (81bs, 12oz, 21in). We got a late start —

—

but hey, 13 years of marriage can handle an infant right?” Reni, this isn’t an advice column.

Thomas Beede BAILEY wrote: “We’re headed to NATO Joint Headquarters North

Rough duty, I know, but after the rigors of ACSC, I’ll need Looking forward to skiing, sailing, and traveling through Europe at taxpayer expense.”

Jeff SMITH got his follow-on to Air Force Studies & Analysis Agency at the Pentagon to be the Chief, Space Force Application. at Stavanger, Norway.

three years in a NATO assignment to recover.

signments desk. He’s become a real smooth talker; he convinced his boss to allow him to roll his Harley into the office when it rains. Ed KRAFFT is a United 727 ‘Panel Monkey” out of New York. He’s also splitting his time with the NYANG C5s and was recently lounging on the beaches of St Croix. The Guard really does do the AF dirty work. He and Carol live in New York and have three kids—Avery, Emily, and Richard. Rip LEE is a United 767 FO out of Chicago. He and Becky have two kids, Ryan and Rachel, and are living the dream in the heartland of the U.S., Wichita, KS. Matt RIORDAN is a United 767 FO out of LA. He and his wife, Katy, have two kids as well, Ryan and Ally. They’re very happy to be living in Southern Cal and taking more than their fair share of sunshine. Chris BURKE got out in ’99 and went to an aviation school full time. He got all his civilian pilot ratings and was hired as a Beech 1900 FO for Gulfstream International in FL. He’s moved on since then to Atlantic Coast (ACA) and is currently flying right seat of a Dornier 328 Jet out of LaGuardia. This past December, he joined the Minneapolis Guard.

‘Jeff FLINT flies for Continental out of Newark. He’s also flying C-130s with Chris STEARNS in the Colorado Springs Reserve. Drew WHITE has been flying at Kirtland AFB as a Talon II schoolhouse IP and just got on with Southwest. He and his family are moving to San Antonio and he’ll be flying T-37s as a Reservist at Laughlin. Matt SMITH is an ADO with the 67th SOS (MC-130Ps) at Mildenhail and Darcy (LUCE) PHILLIPS was just in town as part of the AFSOC Stan/Eval Inspection Team. United and Delta recently hired her. She’s going to start class with Delta in May. Whew, lots of names. Hope you can use some of this in an upcoming issue. Look forward to seeing a lot more faces around the country’s airports this summer.”

I also received a card from Pam (HAUG) KAUFMAN. She’s stationed at Hickam AFB at HQ PACAF along with Mike MILLER and Ray ROBANO as I told you last quarter. But also assigned there are Jeff BROWN and Dave STILLWELL (I thought I saw you in the December 10 th Honolulu Marathon!). Mike and Tracy had a little boy in December! Jeff is the DO’s Exec and he and his family will be heading to Newport, RI this summer for Navy Command and Staff College. Dave is at JICPAC. Pam’s husband Chris works at Camp Smith in Special Operations CommandPacific, and Pam’s working in the Commander’s Action Group. Here’s a great photo of Pam, Chris and their two daughters, Hannah (6) and Stephanie (2). It sounds like Hawaii is the place to be! Hope you all have room for visitors United flies there several times a day.

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That’s it for now—write soon. See you in the fall! Bob.

Sharon (Hullinger) Giletti 104 Ostrep Point

Yorktown, VA 23692 (757) 8774414 E-mail: sharongiletti@aol.com Percent members: 33

Dr

Hi again everyone! I hope 2001 is treating you well. Another class has made it to graduation and we are just six years from our 20-year Reunion!

My how time flies. You all must be pretty busy these days because I have only heard from a few of you this quarter.

I got a very informative update from Scott HAVERKATE. Since I am currendy at United Airlines

Flight Attendant training in beautiful, cold, and cloudy Chi-

cago I am going to cheat and quote Scott’s email: “Long time no talk. I’ve always enjoyed reading your Checkpoints column and know you could always use some ammunition for your next column. Anyway, it’s about time I add my input. To start, I’m still flying Talon IIs and working Group Stan/Eval at Mildenhail. Erin and I have two great kids a four-year-old girl, Reagan, and a 17-month-old —

Pam and Chris Kaufman with Hannah and Stephanie.

Once again, I hope you all are healthy and happy and I hope that I get to fly

101

wouldn’t C/L/R be so easy (a little with all you United pilots at some point United insider training term). I will be based out of D.C. (Dulles, Reagan and BWI) Until next time or aloha for all you out at Hickam—S —

upi fee 9m

Mark Peters 835 East Lamar Blvd., #151

Arlington, TX 76011

//

YlipPWmBSjl //

(817) 937-9696/Fax: (801) 327-0953 E-mail: pylt@home.com Percent members: 35

Hi 88!

Well it’s always neat to start with a baby picture. Here’s a picture of fohn and Georgia (RUCKLE) McCURDY and their new baby, John. They are presently residing in Dover, DE. Alas, no additional text to add as it was sent direct to the AOG and I don’t have Georgia and John’s number.

Here’s “the gang” over at ACSC.

BEHNE, Mary; BUSH, Timothy; BUTLER, Jeffrey; EVANS, Matthew; GANTT, Michael; GARZA, Robert; GRAHAM, Glenn; HUNT, Jeffrey; JACKSON, Linwood; JOHNSON, Clarence; KOMETER, Michael; LEWIS, William; McCAFFREY, Terrance; MISSAR, Kevin; NORTHRUP, Parker; REGENOR, James; RIPLEY, Randolph; SULLIVAN, Patrick; SWEET, Robert; TURAIN, Kip; TURNER, Shaun; HINMAN, Skip; LONG, Scott; and faculty, RAST, Vicki.

I’ll have to include Jeff CAMPBELL in the, “What a great guy!” category. On his own

initiative he created a web site for ‘88!

Here’s the scoop from the web site

(www.usafa88.com) as to how it came about (and I thought it was my pleading from several issues ago not!): “So what’s this site all about? Well, I didn’t find —

another one. So I built this one. On the occasion of my 10-year reunion from our prestigious institution, I began a search to find information about who was going, what was going on, etc. I searched the USAFA site; I searched the AOG site; I searched Excite, Yahoo, Alta Vista, and other search engines. To my great disappointment, there was not a site for our class. It seemed to me that there was a site

The McCurdy Family The last issue had a note about Tony and Susan GLANGIULIO moving to Italy.

Tony’s promised me some pictures from Europe, but in the meanwhile here’s a For particulars, their e-mail follows: "We have finally moved into our new house in Napoli—Arco Felice to be exact. It is a large apartment with awesome views of the Gulf of Naples. Our new e-mail address is tsg.napoli@cybernet.it and our phone number (from the U.S.) is 001-39-081-8046061. For our military friends our mailing address is RHQ AFSOUTH/J3 Ops Div, PSC 813 Box 136, FPO AE 09620. Normally mail takes 7-14 days. If you need to send us any packages, send it as priority mail and keep them small as the larger the package the longer it takes to arrive here (two weeks to a month-plus). The place we actually live is Via La Sciana 2, Villa 21, Parco La Costa Sibilla, 80070 Arco Felice (NA), Italy.

picture of his fini-flight dousing.

for every other class but ours. In this day of the Internet, I found this to be embarrassing. And so USAFA88.com was born—Basically, I could do it, so I did.”

Jeff also sent me a quick e-mail update on what’s new in his life: “You know I have been meaning to write you for some time. Two years, in fact. Then today, I was reading the class news in Checkpoints and noticed you were asking about a class web site. Well, it just so happens that two years ago (about the time of our 10year), I put up usafa88.com. I meant to have it announced at the reunion, but I was so busy seeing folks I hadn’t seen in 10 years that I totally forgot. OK, now two years later, I figured I should write and let you know. Most of the information on the site is dated right now, but I’d be glad to update it if folks are going to show up.

The most important section is already up, which is a listing of e-mails. There are probably only 30 or so but I’m sure if you mention the site in Checkpoints, the list will grow quickly. I now work for KPMG Consulting, and do this sort of thing for a living. I’d be glad to keep the site current, and make it whatever we want it to be.

Just let me know what your thoughts are. Thanks, Jeff Campbell, editor, usafa88.com, X-Chickenhawk.” I’ll be sure to start mentioning it with every column to build awareness. Thanks, Jeff, for taking the ball and running with it!

Lastly, on the advice of Frank SCHMUCKI ordered Falcon’s Cry, A Desert Storm Memoir, from Amazon.com. It’s just arrived but judging from the jacket it looks like an interesting read. The author, Major Michael Donnelly, now retired, was one of many health an F-16 pilot in the war. Unfortunately, he now has ALS consequences of the “perfect war.” More later.

Thanks for all those inputs! This time I get to ask you to not just write/e-mail me, but to also to check out Jeffs handiwork at www.usafa88.com. (Please send him info and any and all good web links!)

—

Paul W. Tibbets, IV 102 Chennault Ave. Barksdale AFB, LA 71110 Home: (318) 746-3853 / DSN: 781-4528 E-mail: patibb@earthlink.net Home page: http://www.usafa89.com Percent members: 40

Tony Giangiulio Fini-Flight Kip TURAIN, with whom I had the pleasure to serve in the 6th Air Refueling Squadron at Travis, recently e-mailed with ACSC news. He’ll tell the story best: ‘We just had a mini-Academy reunion for ACSC pictures and Vicki (BESECKER) RAST mentioned you were on a quest for Checkpoints inputs imagine that!

—

[Editorial note: That’s so true—write!]. I talked with Dave ARGYLE a while ago and he was completing 737 training with Delta. It is his third plane and he’s looking forward to the new airframe, paycheck, and schedule! All is well with his

family, as they are out of the New Jersey winters and back into the Florida weather around Miami. Tim BUDD is making the big move from Pope AFB to Maxwell for 01-02 ACSC. Although he enjoys his job, they are looking forward to some time off from his job as Wing CC executive officer and flying C-130s.”

‘ACSC students were treated to Rob SWEET’s personal account of his time as a POW in Desert Storm. He gave a great presentation and at the end it was hard to find one of the 600 of us who did not have a lump in their throat or a tear in their eye.

Thanks, Rob, for pulling us all back into the fold of what this job we have accepted is all about and the ultimate sacrifice we may be required to give. I ran across a written account of the interview he gave (accompanied with other USAFA grads who were POWs) up in the 6th floor of the USAFA library. Anyone who has time to review

them, I highly recommend it. (Elevator ride approved for graduates!)

The next photo is courtesy of Vicki RAST (and Bob COLLELLA, ’86). It probably (not all may have made the picture invitation) includes: BARRETT, Sam; 102

Wj' W

Hello friends across the world! As you read this, my daughter is turning one year old. When “they” say children change your life forever, it couldn’t be closer to the truth. But, I would argue, our children change our lives for the better, while we at the same time try to make their lives better than our own. What an exciting and challenging opportunity! My wife would contend she never worked as hard in the workplace as she has raising our daughter, and nothing is more rewarding. As our daughter Avery grows up, my desire to spend time with her increases at almost an exponential rate. I think Angelle is the lucky one (and she does to), spending quality time daily with Avery, experiencing every little change as parent, coach, and cheerleader. A true blessing from God! My first letter comes from Lisa (MCFADDEN) BECKER, who lives with her husband and fellow ‘89er Kurt in Minnesota. To avoid losing the tone and butchering the well-phrased commentary of her letter, I have included it mostly unedited and in its entirety: ‘Just wanted to drop a note to say hello. As Kurt and I were sitting at breakfast we this morning, we were reading through the paper. A sure sign of old age found ourselves in a political discussion. Up here, in the north (we live in Minnesota), we find ourselves being led by (1) a pro wrestler (and commentator for the XFL) and (2) some questionable senators. So, our first point of discussion was that we were looking forward to a day when our civil leaders are the Pete GERSTENs, Kurt HEISERs, Scott SALMONS, Mike GANTTs (’88) or the Eric —

JENKINs (’88) of the world.

“Naturally, this brought us back to one of the best-run campaigns of our Why isn’t he running for public office? I know he has quite a campaign committee! Then... who wouldn’t be a better running mate than John (“put a helmet on that soldier”) MIHALY? We figured we better let them know now -there’s not much time left until the 2004 election (or for the Bush supporters, we’ll hold off until 2008)... surely they can cadethood. Whatever happened to Hal CRANMER?

-

win the count over Mrs. Rodham-Clinton. You have to admit it’s a great idea. As

I’m sure you understand, our brainstorming was cut short by announcement from our daughter that she was wanting some attention -and a big gummy -

smile that we had to divert from our “adult” conversation to her.

“As Kurt and I have been civilians since late in 1998, our updates on classmates have been limited. That, and as I have been traveling for business or pleasure, I’ve been checking the cockpits of the airliners... and sure enough have run into some of our classmates. Just last week, on a trip to meet with Kurt in Savannah (he was

doing some GV training

—

he’s a corporate pilot for 3M

—

I’m finally out of the Air Force and am currently in Atlanta training with Delta.

We are living in Maryland in our new house that I only got to spend 13 days in.

Bummer! Also, I found out that my first assignment with Delta will be in a 737 as a first officer in Orlando.

I just started with Delta on the 8th of Jan while on terminal leave. I apparently escaped Altus, OK before the big ice/snow storm hit. Altus was fun, but it was time to live in the same state as my hubby. He’s still enjoying the Capitol Hill thing, so I probably won’t be leaving Maryland for some time. If anybody needs any help with Delta, please let me know. Also, if anyone’s looking to visit D.C., we have plenty of room. Just give me a holler. Should be fun. Well, take care and I’ll talk to everyone later. Gotta go study.”

absolutely loves it!),

Scott GEORGECINK was in the cockpit on my Delta flight. Then, as Kurt finished up a run in Savannah, he ran into Shaun PERKOWSKI in the elevator (on a trip

with US Airways). Shaun and Tiffiany (RODGERS) are living in West Virginia and have a new addition to their family as well. The super-small-world story of the decade Kurt was at a hotel in Santa Cruz, Bolivia a few months back when he heard his name, turned around and sure enough, it was TC (Tom COPELAND), on an overnight in Bolivia. My travels don’t bring me to such exciting places, but I do —

keep in touch with roommates

—

Connie (DECHANT) MESKILL, who is finishing

up her remote in Korea, and Jean DONOHUE, who is getting ready to leave San Antonio. The Becker vs. Chandler race to have a child was won by Eric and Shelley

(ZUEHLKE) CHANDLER. They had a beautiful baby boy just days before our and Sam (their son) outweighs Signe by... another daughter Signe was born baby... after just three months! Surely you’ve seen the InFlow ads in recent Checkpoints with our own Mike FONTAINE in them he and Jennifer are doing great in —

—

Denver, with two adorable little Fontaines (Jack and Ty).

“And, keeping us company in the great white north are the BOWMANs

—

Reed

and Kirsten and their two girls. Reed is flying for Northwest and keeping the skies safe from those Canadian invaders in the Duluth Guard. Rob and Lee ANDERSON are in Washington; he flies for United and the Portland Guard. Karen PASTORET is haven’t gotten a recent update but my last one said up in Washington as well airlines and Guard. Mike and Tonya CHAPA are at Edwards AFB. Mike’s a test pilot there. That’s about all I know for now. I’m finishing up my 12 weeks of maternity leave and heading back to work (I work at Guidant Corporation—we make paceI work makers, defibrillators as well as vascular intervention stints and catheters in Regulatory Affairs, working with the FDA for product approval) next week.

So...better get off to the Mall of America while I can.” Thanks Lisa!

Our next letter was handed to me by Gretchen (WILTSE) KURLANDER while I was TDY to Lajes AB, Azores on a base visit with Gen Keck. Gretchen is stationed there with her husband, Tony, who is a staff judge advocate, and their children Austen and PJ. —

—

Nancy, Abigail, Jacob, and Zac Belcher (and Elizabeth in the stroller).

Zac BELCHER wrote a note on paper bought at the C-Store during our four-

degree year: Zac, you win the spirit award! The picture he sent is in Paris: “We are now living in Geneva, Switzerland. We’ve really been enjoying life in Europe and try to get out every weekend to see new sights.” He wrote more, but it’s on that four-degree paper and I’m too lazy to type it in.

Ben DAVIS continues to do great work with the 1990 CS-13 web page. To see the latest Bulldawg news go to the USAFA90.COM, click “By Squadron,” click “13,”

and click on the “Squadron News web page” link.

Ted WILSON wrote: “Much has changed for me in the past two years. And although I made Major, I am separating in July. I plan to remain here in Germany and, one day, open a bike shop. I’ll keep you posted on that one ...”

“Reunion Flashback”

Javiar DELUCCA wrote: “Just PCSd from Kadena to the D.C. area for six months of training and then moving on to Bogota, Colombia as the assistant air attache.

Will be flying the C-12 and be involved with the day-to-day operations of the U.S. Embassy.”

Austen, Gretchen, Tony, and PJ Kurlander enjoy the Azores.

Gretchen is a Reserve aircraft maintenance officer, but also keeps busy with the Officers’ Spouses’ Club, volunteering in Austen’s classroom, and serving as assistant coach for PJ’s soccer and T-ball teams. She enjoys leading “the typical suburban housewife existence!”

Gretchen says they love Lajes, with its very friendly people, good food and seenic ocean, beach, and green fields surrounded by rock walls. The family has enjoyed traveling around the Azorean islands of Pico and Faial, as well as Spain and Italy. As a matter of fact, they will be PCSing to Aviano, Italy in July for another hardship tour. Great seeing you Gretchen!

That’s all for this issue! Keep those e-mails and letters coming. Take care and God bless.

James Sanchez 8515 Grapevine Highway #210 N. Richland Hills, TX 76180

Home: (817) 946-1802/ Fax: (817) 281-5089

E-Mail:

james.sanchez@usafa90.com Homepage: www.usafa90.com WEB: USAFA90.COM Percent members: 42

Greetings, most mighty and glorious and... you know the drill. news I can fit into

Here’s all the

1,400 words:

Dana (WHITE) NELSON wrote: “I’ve been on the move for the last two months.

Dan DIRNBERGER wrote: “Having completed six years of specialty and sub-specialty training, we have moved to Kadena AB in Okinawa, Japan, where I am one of the four neonatologists in the nearby Naval Hospital. We transport and care for the critically ill and premature babies born to DOD families throughout the Western Pacific. My daughter will be turning three and my son one, both in March.

There are parks all over Okinawa, and we love Japan, but personally, I would rather be on the mainland than on this tropical island! We’ll be here until 2003.

Derek ABEYTA wrote: “I’m here in Albuquerque, NM at Kirdand AFB. I’ve been assigned to the HQ Air Force Inspection Agency. Things are going great! Just found out that my wife is expecting our fifth child in Sept/October timeframe.”

I heard from Forrest HARE: He’s at Ramstein AB. Forrest has started working, and Misuk is getting big. Baby is due in April and we are all welcome to come out

there sometime to visit.

Curt WAGNER wrote: “Separating from active duty Feb 28th and heading to Edmond, OK to fly Tweets for the 5th FTS Reserve Squadron at Vance AFB. Work-

ing on airlines, too.

Anna Pflieger wrote: “Just thought I would let you know that my husband, Clayton PFLIEGER, (CS-24) is on the front of the Air Forces Times for the week of 19 Feb. He is the one wearing the yellow helmet. There is also a photo of him on page 15 on the upper left. He is wearing camouflage and talking on a radio. These photos were taken in ’97 at Fairchild and they are re-using them for this article. I didn’t tell him I was sending you this e-mail but I thought some guys from the Zoo would find it amusing. Clayton is still at T-6 PIT down at Randolph, been gone since Thanksgiving. He left me and our three children (all under age five) back here at Vance and makes it home on the three-day weekends. If the planes would quit breaking and the weather would clear up he will finish up in a few 103

weeks. We will be PCSing to Moody in March. Once there he will be the flight commander in charge of life support. Clayton is looking forward to his new job and living in the South, where he can race his car and hit the beaches! He sends his “hellos” to all.”

Mike PELLETIER wrote: "Well, I’m one of the very few folks just starting out my I just finished the F-15E FTU at Seymour Johnson

piloting career in the USAF.

and I’m off to RAF Lakenheath for the next two years. Look forward to hearing from anyone who’s headed my way.”

Jay UPDEGRAFF has started his C-5 crossflow training at lovely Altus by the sea. He’s PCSing to the 3rd AS at Dover by the end of May. lay’s wife, Becky, and kids Daniel (4) and newborn Catherine decided to forgo the whole Altus experience

and will meet up with Jay at Dover, and move into their new house.

Jay

welcomes all RTBs who are stuck in Dover for the night to give him a call. He ran into Tim SHOFI in the squadron on his way out to Altus.

Lefty SUMMERLIN wrote: “I graduate from the UW MBA program in June then

August to take a job with HP. Anyone needing help or seeking advice regarding graduate business schools or jobs with HP, email me at

move to Boise in

summerlin4@msn.com.”

Chip WEAVER wrote: “I was unable to attend the reunion in the Fall because I

had a Delta interview that week and drill weekend. I separated from the Air Force last February and was hired by the Alabama Air National Guard. I pinned on major last April and have been doing the ANG the last year and enjoy it. We still live in Warner Robins Georgia but I start with Delta on 5 March.

Ryan CECIL wrote: “Continental Airlines just hired me, and I will start class on 17 April. I will most likely be based in Newark or Guam in the 737 (know any '90 guys at Anderson AB?). I will continue to fly with the NJ ANG. I’m still married, coming up on 11 years in June. My wife, Nathalie, is teaching French at a private school that my two kids attend. Roxanne is seven and just lost one of her front teeth, and Eric is five and a half. By the way, it was good seeing you at the reunion, and I think we need to get a gang together for the Sooners game!

Jay AANRUD wrote: “I just wanted to update Mighty ‘90 on my location and particulars. My family uprooted and moved to Incirlik AB (threatcon “C”, nasty neighbors, good carpets) in August, and will be here for another year and a half.

I’m flying with the units that flow through in the mighty F-16 CJ and am able to fly operational missions a few times every month. I’ve run into a few grads on every continent, and have enjoyed every encounter. Marty KERBER in S.C., Dave ‘Bosco” MURPHY in Turkey, John SHAW in Germany recently, Ginger WALLACE in Italy during Allied Force, Ray SAGUI over Iraq (take 'em, Norton! magnum), Holly RAWSON at CTF, the same squadron with Rob “Waldo” WALDMAN, Jimmy ‘Street” WALKER, and Mike “Slots” LIGHTNER, and the list goes on. Feel free to send hate mail if we hoisted a few and I didn’t mention it, but the point is made.

It is a hoot to run into classmates, and the pictures and e-mails from the reunion support that. Please contact the Aanrud Family (Janet and Jordan) if you can

First, here’s those who’ve announced their departure from the Air Force in the past few months: Chris (HARVEY) BELL, entering the Reserves in Tampa; husband Dave BELL will have separated in April, also to the Reserves; Ryan FARMER, consulting with Booz, Allen & Hamilton’s Dayton office as well as Reserve work; Randall SAUER, flying tankers in the Reserves at McConnell; Christy (LEADER) CHRONIS, 727s for Delta; Chan CONRAD, flying for American; Aric DIMEFF, by the time you read this anyway, F-16s in the Guard; and finally a big group from McGuire: Ray ROBINSON (UPS); Wed SENDAYDIEGO (American); Sean LOGAN (NJ GUARD AGR); Colin KEEN (Reserves McChord).

In a similar but not the same category, Phil SCHWEIZER was medically retired from the service for tumors of the spinal cord, and fortunately is doing well. He got married at Laughlin to an AF Nurse (Paula Dayoub) eight years ago. He adopted Paula’s children; Maxx and Michelle are now 16 and 18. They relocated to Pittsburgh in September (Paula works for U.S. Air) and are having a blast.

Stories you want to hear: Daryl SASSAMAN is “now flying C-130s as the Canadian Exchange Here pilot. Based in Ontario, two hours east of Toronto; the people are great and the beer is better.” Sounds cold, too! His quick past: three years flying missile warning satellites at Falcon, married in ‘93, SOS and Requal in ‘95, five years flying the Here at Litde Rock.

David DAMRATH manages the national accounts for Tropicana in Florida. He

tells a story of going to Colorado “to see us beat CSU on national TV and sub-zero temps. Reminded me of our last home game during our Firstie Year versus BYU when iy Detmer lit us up for 50 points. I was with Kit BOBKO (now an attorney in LA), his dad (Pete Class of ‘62) and younger brother Ryan. There was a big ‘59 Cotton Bowl Reunion with Brock STROM, ‘59, and all the rest. They inducted a couple of those -

guys into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. Great to see the heroes.”

Dan CURRY’s story is pretty interesting, too. "I’m pleased to announce the birth of my first child, Conor James Curry, on 28 July 2000. Peggy and I relocated from Ireland to Red Bluff, California, where I’m pursuing a teaching career. I’m currently teaching 8th grade in a Catholic school; my credential is in social studies for junior high and high school.” That’s definitely off our typical grad beaten path. Sounds great, Dan! Looking forward to seeing you soon.

swing a trip through Turkey!

Finally: Sometimes I get e-mail and I’m not sure how much is intended for me and how much is for the class. When in doubt, I remove material that may be

embarrassing.

It helps if you set aside your update so I know what to publish.

Thanks!

Carson Tavenner 4414C Bighorn Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840

(719) 472-5942 E-mail: carson.tavenner@usafa.af.mil Percent members: 39

Here’s our class news in a nutshell: "Hey, Tav, how are you doing? I got out of the Air Force and am having a great time. Can’t wait to see everyone at the reunion! Later!” If you’re not satisfied with that summary and want to know more

about what our class is doing, though, read on!

The reunion is really taking shape. If this is the first time you’ve read anything about our reunion, then the very first piece of info you need to know is that we’re getting together Oct 10-14, and Air Force is going to whomp Wyoming that Saturday in Falcon Stadium. Many classmates have been virtually on the edge of their seats getting ready for this (the reunion, not the game)! Dozens of our classmates had, even at the beginning of the year, already told us they were planning on coming. We’ve got a special deal with the Sheraton (down on 1-25 and Circle) and the rooms we’ve contracted there continue to be snatched up in greater and greater numbers of Bold Golders. You can be sure the reunion week/weekend will provide many opportunities to catch up with all the news and great stories contained inside our ten years away from each other.

Here are some of the ideas we’ve got (not all of which will necessarily come about, but we hope they all do, of course): a volleyball game/tournament at the Bill Grace Memorial Court (in Vandenberg), a grad night at O’Furry’s with 91cent drinks, arranging to have David Barclay play at one of our informal gatherings, and scheduling a memorial 0630 Physics GR for y’all on Friday morning after the Thursday partying. Those are the kinds of fun things that will help bring back memories, we believe. But instead of trying to describe everything you need to know, I’ll direct you again to www.usafa91.com and ask you to pass the reference to your friends, since not everyone gets this magazine or has a chance to see the column. By the way, our webmaster, Angie, has pointed out to me that there’s a quickly increasing frequency of hits on the site, so you can be sure you’re in good company!

Now, the last column was a downer (Marty Theer’s death), and since then there’s been much more news from y’all, so here’s the lowdown on where people are and what they're doing. I’m going to largely cut out the lengthy stories unless

they’re really cool ones.

104

Dan and Conor Curry

-

Loving Life!

Derek WEST is in the 88th Weather Squadron at Wright-Pat. His quick history: “After getting a PhD in 1998 studying hurricanes (thank you AFIT), left Ohio State and am stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB supporting acquisition as a so-called meteorological expert” He saw Jeanette (FULMER) VOIGT (was teaching math at USAFA, went back to tankers at MacDill) during a ceremony where I commissioned Darshan DOHLE (‘00). Had a great time and was flooded with a rush of memories.”

From across the Pacific, our buddy Chee Meng NG sends a lot of news and thoughts. Here are some excerpts: “On my end, the year has been a really hectic one... managed to sell off our condominium... bought an old semi-detached house... re-constructing the house... crammed into one bedroom... waiting anxiously to move in... Sara and Ellie have been growing up very nicely and they are now five and three yrs old... I received my first real command [1 Feb 00] after attending the Singapore Command and Staff Course... managed to top the course and received the award from the second defence minister (similar to your Sec of Defense). I took command of 144 SQN flying our upgraded F-5s... early promotion to LTC on 1 Jul 00.1 can’t complain much about my AF career although we do work very, very hard. I guess also I will be staying in until retirement at an early age of 45! Yes, we retire our officers very young! By the way, it looks like I may not be going to our 10th reunion. I may be deploying to Thailand during that period with the SQN... wow, remember the carefree times when each one of us ate one large pizza all by ourselves, drank multi-pots of coffee to cram for exams, or hid in our rooms to drink beer and scheme of ways to break rules?”

Thinking internationally, anyone see Luis VILLANUEVA? There’s a French pilot looking for him. I’m holding onto an old e-mail. Please advise, Luis!

Shannen (KARPEL) BATCHELOR switched career fields a while back and is now working in labor and delivery with the 859th Medical Operations Sq. at Wilford Hall, Lackland AFB, The interesting story is that she separated from the AF in ‘96, went to nursing school, worked in a civilian hospital for a year, then came back into the AF nurse corps in March last year! Cool, huh?

Class of 199110th Reunion/Homecoming USAFA vs. New Wyoming 10-14 October 2000

Francis DOIRON is in the 564th Missile Squadron at Malmstrom. He reports,

My final e-mail was from an old CS-22 Tarantula, John MILTNER. John is back in

‘David SUZUKI... got out, got married and is working for a D.C. beltway company. I never figured him to be one to get out, but he said he just wanted to settle

CONUS after a great three-year tour in Turkey as a treaty compliance officer for

down. That’s about it, just working (missiles), spending time with my family Chris, my wife; Joe, my son; Celeste, my daughter, and another due in March!”

LOTS OF QUICK BITS: Steven MORAES is in the 150 ARS (NJANG) while flying for United. Kelly SMITH is in the 9th ARS at Travis, was married to Amy Johnson (from Onaga, KS) in Sep 97. Bernard WILLIS is in the 56TRS (62FS) at Luke as an F-16IR was married Jul 92 to Kentucky girl Lynne. Two children (girl, boy): Shelby, 7, Jon, 3. Ed WOLD has an interesting exchange job at the AFFSA Detachment 1 with the FAA at Will Rogers World Airport, OK. He works flight checks and says the job has too much training. Casey (LEGLER) HINDS is at Yokota AB. Also across the Pacific we find Peter GARRETSON in Okinawa, doing plenty, such as teaching his daughters to ride bikes, catch, sign the alphabet, and getting ready for a baby boy. Nancy (WEISS) CASTRO has separated and lives in Wichita Falls, TX. Thomas RIEDEL flies for American out of Peru, IN. His family is wife, Lisa, a daughter Kathryn, and son Jacob. Mike STRATTON has three kids, and is happily working for Penske Truck Leasing as their manager of retail remarketing (selling used trucks). Susan RANK got engaged to Scott Foy and will be married this year. Hey, Sue, how about at the reunion? I think we could drum up a few attendees. Dan O’CONNOR did a five-and-dive, now works at Eastman Chemical in Mount Carmel, TN. “Married to a great lady, Hollie, with no offspring to date.

God bless America!” You said it, Dan! And with that... you’ll see the next column just before the reunion. Be safe!

—

the 39 th Wing at Incirlik AB. I think he will be my fountain of information as I get close to my PCS to Turkey at the end of ‘02. He is now working B-1B sustainment test and evaluation. He does a few TDYs to Ellsworth, but for the most part he is at

Tinker. He’s enjoying his house in Oklahoma City, but is on the lookout for a new Miata to cure his “occasional pangs of sports car withdrawal...” Good to hear from you John

—

come visit us in Carmel the next time you come to California.

Beep, beep, boop, bip, boop, beep, beep... (That’s me dialing the telephone...)

My first harassing phone call was to Josh KUTRIEB who is here at NPS with me. He has already been here almost a year studying astronautical engineering. It’s been so long since I did any engineering, I am glad I chose a fuzzy program this time National Security Affairs. Plus, I don’t think OSI has much of a need for engineers, —

I’ll leave that to Josh. Somehow, he’s getting through it with his wife, Kristin, and three kids, Hayden (4), Jared (2), and Gray who arrived December 19, 2000.

Josh also updated me on some other classmates. His old decathlete team member Jason MARSHAL is reportedly flying the B-2 at Whiteman. Jason’s call sign is “TBAR” so

—That Boy Ain’t Right! Josh says for those of us who remember Jason, we’ll understand. Vern CONAWAY, Josh’s old roommate, is married to Amy and they have two little ones, Quinton and Wendy. Vern just headed back to the Zoo to be the Stan/ Eval Officer for the new trainer aircraft squadron there. He was flying C-141s at McGuire before being called back to the nest. Chuck HOWARD is still at McGuire

flying C-141s and it is reported that Sam WHITE is headed to Whiteman to join Jason in the B-2. Sam, I can’t believe they’ll let you fly the B-2! Never thought you’d be flying it when we used to see it out at Edwards, did you?

Tav, signing out.

James S. Mehta Box 5363

Carmel, CA 93921-5363 (831) 622-0752

vSffTWl

E-mail: jamesmehta@usafa.com Percent members: 35

Hello, Class of 1992! Welcome to another edition of your class notes. This time my information is a little thin, so motivate yourself to send me that e-mail you keep thinking about writing. Actually, I did rustle up some info on the phone.

Nothing new for me here in California. NPS is going great and I’m looking forward to starting Turkish language classes in the fall. I have run into a few classmates on campus, mostly in the Trident Room (bar). Thad ALLEN just started his master’s here in the Special Operations program. He came from the Special Operations Squadron in Kadena. Also, I ran into Scott REINHARD who is an F16 pilot and is at Defense Language Institute here in Monterey where he is studying French for six months so he can PCS and fly F-16s with the Belgians for a few years. I also happened to see a list on the AF News page of those selected for USAF Test Pilot School and recognized a few names: John GLOYSTEIN and Tony SIMPSON will be going to Edwards, and Sean LONGRIGAN was selected to attend Navy Test Pilot School. Congratulations! Finally, I did receive a few e-mails this quarter and for the rest of the news I called some old True Blue friends to catch up with them and get some Checkpoints fodder.

The Kutrieb gang on the Rock (Alcatraz).

March ‘01.

”

Josh, Kristin, Hayden, Jared, and Gray.

The next phone call was long overdue. Mark SLOCUM and I had lost touch for a few years and I just contacted him over e-mail and he sent me his number. I decided this was as good a time as any to give him a call. Mark is doing well up at Mountain Home in Idaho. He loves the area, although he says that most folks are like him and live in Boise and commute to Mountain Home. I’ve been to Mountain Home and it’s quite small, so I understand. He’s been there for three years flyfishing and water skiing in the summer and snowboarding and skiing in the winter. Oh yeah, he also flies the F- 15E in his spare time... Actually, Mark is quite busy as an IP and a flight commander and has spent a good deal of time deployed to Turkey and the desert. He’s still got his ‘68 Corvette and so we compared notes with my ‘67. A couple of ‘92 guys are in his squadron, SterlingTREE and Paul KNAPP Paul is a WSO and had spent his first few years out of USAFA in OSI, so he has the call sign, "Snitch.” Hmmm... I wonder what his wife, Becky, (‘93) thinks about that? Not to mention me. Becky is the OSI commander at Mountain Home. They both PCSed from Korea last year where I worked with Becky several times on OSI “stuff.” (Just to perpetuate the OSI myth!) Others at Mountain Home are Jim MUELLER (F-15C), Chuck CORCORAN (F-15C), Kristin STREUKENS (KC-135), and Kelly KIRKPATRICK (KC-135) and JJ MENOZZI (F-16) who got married last year.

My last phone call was to Dave KUMASHIRO. Dave always keeps track of a lot of folks. He is still flying C-5s at Travis. On a recent deployment to Moron, Spain Bill while sitting alert and watching moves, he saw a few classmates —

“Spiders in the Schoolhouse." Don Unwin and Steve Bums (CS-22, Tarantulas) stop for a picture for old times’ sake at the C-130 schoolhouse at Little Rock, Jan 01.

E-mail Grab Bag. Back in January, Michael BRUZZINI sent me a short e-mail saying he and his wife, Laura, and their six-month-old son, Michael William, just PCSed to Spangdahlem where Michael is flying F-16CJs. Michael William was born on June 6, 2000 another millennium baby at Luke while Michael was going through F-16 RTU. Michael cross-trained into the F-16 from the KC-135 he was flying for three years at McConnell. He is in the 23 rd FS at Spangdahlem along with John LYONS, John WILSON, and Jason WHITE. (Did I lose you? Hope you kept track of which Michael is which?) Thanks for the note Michael and —

—

enjoy Germany.

SPANGENTHAL, Matt TERPSTRA, and a few others. Back at Travis, Matt RAFTER was selected to be the Ops Group Stan/Eval Officer for C-5s; Sean MURPHY is the chief of Training for the C-5 Squadron; Jon WOZNIAK was just selected to fly UAVs at Nellis; Matt MATHIS just switched to the Alabama Air National Guard where he will fly C-26s near Mobile. Those who were interns with Dave in D.C. a couple of years ago: Troy BRASHEAR is spending some time on the UN mission in Eritrea; Amanda KATO is a program manager at Kirtland; Jeff HANDY is flying 15s at Elmendorf; and Tommy ROBERTS is back in Colorado at Schriever.

That’s All Folks! Well, that wraps up another column. I’m sure you all have noticed that our 10th year reunion is just over a year away—so start saving your leave now. Really, as if any of us have assignments or jobs that we can actually use up all our leave... So, once again, Semper Excelsior! True Blue ‘92! And all those other cool phrases. God Bless James.

—

The next e-mail was from Jeff WHITEMAN who separated in January to go fly for United Airlines. We have finally hit the point where ‘92ers with UPT commit-

4530 East Castle Drive

ments are finishing them and can get out.

McGuire AFB, NJ 08641

Many seem to be taking the opportunity to do so. Anyway, Jeff is married and has a boy and a girl. He was flying KC10s as a School House instructor pilot at Travis where he separated. Actually, he applied for Palace Chase to get out six months early and was approved, so he will be flying KC-lOs for the Reserves there at Travis for a few years. The Whitemans plan to stay in the Travis area, although Jeff doesn’t know where UA will base him. Good luck to you, Jeff, and anyone else making the transition. I suppose it is even more important to keep in touch with one another as we go our separate ways in the civilian world. (Translation: write to me!)

Michael D. Sundsted

A

ife

(609) 724-0866 DSN: 650-6852

E-mail: Bravecwboy@aol.com Class Website: www.highflight.com Percent members: 86 Welcome to yet another graduation article!! What a great time of year for our fellow graduates at the Air Force Academy! Congratulations to another class to

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pass through the hallowed halls of Vandenberg and Sijan Halls. Wow, eight years for us amazing! Hope the spring treated you well and the summer will do the same. Things here in New Jersey are going great. The winter storm of the century missed us completely. For all the hype it was just rain no snow! Lori and -

-

I are doing well and so is Collin.

-

Although, as I write, my son has a temperature

of 102 and some sort of virus. Yes, he’s on medication. The doctor assures us he Any experienced parents sympathize -1 am sure you do! I haven’t

will be fine.

shown you guys a picture of Collin so here it is!!

Frank Fleitas and Mike keeping up foreign relations with the locals of Japan.

taining the locals.

Honestly

-

I am sure you can guess from the picture how we did that!

we weren’t the

unruly ones that night! Talk to our Japanese friend

Yosteru for that tide! Take care and best wishes. Until next time... respectfully

your scribe...

Mike Sundsted and his son, Collin.

Our first update this issue is from Adrian MICHALICEK. He decided to write due to the low volume in the last article! Thank you Adrian! (Hint: I am only a few keystrokes away!) He e-mails us from Westminster (NW Denver) with his wife, Kim, and two sons, Brendan James and Logan Thomas. Their third child was scheduled to arrive into the world this April. Congratulations to you both!

Adrian is completing his PhD in mechanical engineering at the University of Colorado. Upon graduation he will head back to USAFA and join the Physics Department! (Say hello to Colonel Head for me, Adrian!) I know those freshman will love to suffer... I mean learn through your class! Remember an open book test is a student’s best friend! Adrian says he constandy runs into fellow classmates, especially in Denver. While taking a break from beating his Jeep Wrangler up sliding through the slick wintry Colorado trails, Adrian ran into Nicole PETERSON at a Scuba expo in Denver and Tuong BUI while barhopping.

While visiting USAFA, our future physics instructor ran into Wayne MYERS in the Engineering Mechanics Department and Russ TEEHAN and Lori (VAN DYKE) EVERETT in the Physics Department. He saw about a dozen more ‘93ers on office doors. Adrian vows to take over the Zoo one ‘93 graduate at a time. Adrian had some pictures of his family and a recent trip, but they didn’t come in the letter for some reason. Just another reason for Adrian to write us again and update us on his move to USAFA after his graduation! Thanks for the great e-mail!

The next update is from Matt YOCUM! He spent 1998 and 1999 in the Meehanics Department at USAFA. That department had a large amount of ‘93ers there some of them mentioned in Adrian’s letter Marty BOWE, Michelle (KAZMIER) IDLE, Rob BORCHERT, Mike RICE, and Wayne MYERS. After the Mech Department, Matt went through language school in Monterey, CA and is now in the Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program. He has got some pretty interesting stories. He is currently in Israel and trying to stay out of trouble. He has moved six times by his seven-year point in the AF. He is currently working on several books. He is quite the accomplished author. He is even thinking about doing a book about snapshots of life at the Zoo! Awesome! I’ll buy the first copy! Thanks for another great update!

Ali (WARD) TREVINO checks in with a brief note. She is at Hanscom AFB working as a contracts manager in the MILSATCOM program. She updates on Jenn JOYCE who will be getting married this June in Florida. Ali and Anne TRUITT will be attending. Anne is still at medical school at George Washington University.

Lee SPECHLER gave me a brief update via e-mail today. He is on his way to Spangdahlem, but will be taking some leave in the states. He is moving from Osan AB, Korea to Germany. He is totally pumped about the move. Lee enjoys dropping bombs from his mighty Hawg and often wonders why our class web site has an F-22 on it and not an A-10. Maybe Rich CUERVO will change it for you Lee! Mike MEYER just arrived in Lee’s squadron. Lee’s ORI is currently in full swing and flying three Forward Air Control type missions. Lee says after three in one day he is tired, but wouldn’t trade his job for anything! Ben BRADLEY is also there at Osan AB. Best wishes on your inspection!

Other quick updates are from Karen GREMBA who made a trip down to Chile at the end of March. She was going to look up Sergio SANDOVAL in the Chilean AF. Mark ARNHOLT spent some time with him in the fall. Sergio, maybe Karen can get the ride in your jet that Mark got! Also, Scott POWELL updates during his waning moments as a first assignment instructor pilot (FAIP) at Vance AFB, OK. He just got his orders his next assignment will be to fly the VIPER (F-16). That’s right, he’s going to be a “fighter-pilot,” flying Mach 1+ with his hair on fire. He leaves for the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals course in the fall. His wife, -

-

-

Angela, has her hands full taking care of Scott and their 18-month-old daughter.

He updates us on Larry HOPKINS who is at Offutt AFB, NE. Larry is a navigator in RC-135S there. He and his wife, Tanya, are doing rather well suffering through tornado season in the land above Kansas.

Okay, okay -1 know you are going to say that I can’t believe our time together was so short this time! Unfortunately, I’m afraid it is. Our article has had a great track record. I get many compliments on it from other classes. Other scribes ask —

how we maintain so much contact and I tell them that we have an awesome class. Let’s continue that great record and make the next article an awesome update for everyone.

Oh, I forgot to put a picture of Frank FLIETAS and me in the last article. If you can remember, Frank and I jaunted around the Pacific Ocean for two weeks in December! Here is a photograph of us in a little restaurant that we happened upon in a very small town south of Misawa AB, Japan. We had a great time enter-

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C. C. Masotti 7608 Southern Oak Drive

Springfield, VA 22153 Home: (703) 644-4332

Work: (703) 697-1383 or DSN 227-1383 Fax: (703) 695-8884 or DSN 225-8884

wipf WsBfiS 7

cassia

E-mail: bowhead94@hotmail.com Percent members: 75

Hi, ’94! Greetings from our nation’s fabulous capitol! What a great city! I mean, where else can I be fortunate enough to have a great conversation over lunch

with a good-looking Presidential appointee? No, there’s no new handsome stranger in my life. I’m talking about fellow Barnstormer (CS-23) and classmate Bob GOODWIN, who separated last year, then left his job as a contractor to work on the inaugural committee. That landed him a job on the transition team, which led to a great position working in the Agency for International Development for disaster relief and humanitarian aid. We caught up over lunch a few weeks ago and he filled me in on the other members of the CS-23 “Freakshow" with whom he’s kept up. I took notes on a napkin, so let’s see what I can decipher here..

Bob’s heard of, or is in touch with, Jason FORREST (Laughlin, T-38 IP, married with two kids); Wil BLOCK (married, out of the military); Jim KAFER (going to school in preparation to become an AOC) and Ed KAPLAN (USAFA instructor).

He also filled me in on Joe and Megan KENDALL (Kunsan; F-16, going to Weapons School); Chris THOME (Golden CO, works for New Global Telecom, buying new house); Tom MOLOKIE (PCSing to Colorado Springs soon); and James, Lauren, and baby Alex BIERYLA (Edwards, TPS). I saw another fellow “Freak” a few months ago on the Air Force homepage... Air Force world-class athlete Joe PASTORELLO was highlighted after the 2001 Air Force Boxing Championships.

You can see him hard at work in the photo, as he fought to advance to the quarterfinal rounds.

Joe Pastorello

—

King of the Ring

Another “Freak” in the area is John PRICE (’93) who’s shaking things up in the AF intern program while his bride, Stephanie (PARSONS), loves her job staying home with their daughter Maggie. As usual, John has risen to the top and is an informal leader of this year’s group of interns, keeping them abreast of professional development opportunities, promotions, board selections and more. In fact, he just sent around the list of Test Pilot School selectees, which included a ton of grads, including our own George HOLLAND (Ellsworth) and Deb (NAWROCKI) LUKER’s husband Joel (Kelly).

Joining me as another recent D.C. transplant is Jen KAEPPLER, who’s enjoying civilian life in nearby Columbia, MD. I ran into her at Suzy STREETER’s (’92) housewarming/wine-tasting soiree a few weeks ago, along with Bob GOODWIN, Tracy HEALY (’96, Andrews; helicopter pilot) and Natalie HOLZHERR (’96, OSI) and a host of other folks. We also got together the next day to attend a great local dinner theatre. My shopping buddy Julie PRICE (’95, now in the Reserves and working locally as a contractor) was going to join us but had to go out of town.

Also, Ethan and Allison STANTON live here in town with their darling son Read

Douglas Stanton. Ethan admits that poor Read is already confused at his young it’ll make it tough for age, as his dad is an avid Falcon fan and mom a Sooner him when the two clash this September!

—

Ethan, Allison, and baby Read Stanton Ethan is now out of the AF and working at Nextel Communications along with Chris HURLEY (’90), but he stays busy on the Board of Directors for the Air Force

Academy Society of D.C.

Ethan is also in touch with Chris O’BRIEN (Boston,

sales rep, York Int’l), Francisco GALLEI (Geilenkirchen, Germany; AWACS), Todd SMITH (Elmendorf), Ric HOYT (Mt Home, F-15E), and Bobby BOWICK (’95;

Houston; patent attorney).

No longer actually a D.C. resident, Mark WOOD (Offutt; SIOP analyst) couldn’t

get the capitol out of his system either. In June he’ll marry his longtime sweetheart Lisa, a D.C. native he started dating when he was stationed here as a second lieutenant! Since I know how much he truly adores Lisa, I can share that he said they had to "get hitched so their black lab puppy Jake will be legitimate!”

Mark is busy with lots of "purple-suit” operations while his former roomie Nate PADDOCK (Comm Flight CC; he and bride Jennifer just PCSd in from Germany) does more “blue-suit” work just down the hall.

I got another update from John and Jennifer FONCANNON (Eglin, F-15). They love being parents so much they’re going to give Eathan (born 12-11-99) a new brother or sister this summer!

And Richard & Amy BEJTLICH wrote from San Antonio where they’re celebrating their second anniversary and Richard’s very recent departure from the AF to work as a senior engineer for managed network security operations for Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. He’s helping launch a commercial network security monitoring firm that will soon spin off from Ball while wife, Amy (U of Michigan), is still an active-duty captain (Lackland). To celebrate the job change, they took a 16-day cruise of the Mediterranean during the two weeks of Christmas and New Year’s. They visited Greece and its islands, Egypt, Cyprus, and Turkey.

Check out the photo!

CJ and Jen Sovada gather with USAFA friends at their October wedding.

Finally, new dependent Carrie (BISCHEL) JENSON checked in from Colorado Springs where she just left the AF to be a full-time mom to Noah (19 months) and

Jonathan (five months) while Joel teaches at the prep school. If you want more updates (addresses, e-mails, etc.) on these folks and others, check out our home page! Thanks for all the great work, Chuck!

I think that takes care of the news folks have shared. I still love my job and the travel opportunities it brings. In January, I traveled with the Dutch Air Chief and will travel with the Omani Air Chief in May. The first visit took me to Langley, where I saw Chris (PRIEST) KRAG (Trans) and her husband Tom; Teri HOEFT (’93, FM); and Shelley STRONG (’93, Personnel), and to Nellis, where I’m pretty sure I saw

Kerry KANE (Predator UAV pilot).

My upcoming trip will include Whiteman, Schriever, Mountain Home, and

Elmendorf and I’m hoping to run into a lot of grads along the way. I’ll definitely see Daymon TIFFANY in Alaska, as he’s helping coordinate the visit. Hopefully I’ll see some of you on the road as well! Please keep in touch and let me know how you’re doing and holler if you need a place to stay during AF-Navy weekI have tons of room! Take care and God Bless! C.C. end this year —

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toy)

Becky (Mason) Fox 247 Rutan

Wichita, KA 67218 Home: (316) 685-6544

y

Cell phone: (316) 806-4319 Home e-mail: bmas0801@aol.com Percent members: 69

Hi everyone!

Things in Kansas are getting green! Happy Spring! Didn’t know if all of you knew but I got married in November... thought I may have mentioned it but life has been pretty hectic! My article was too long last time so I’m getting started now... lots of news! Wendell HERTZELLE is in Saudi Arabia enjoying the warmth and sand. Kerrin DENHAM has joined the 22 d Operations/Intel flight as a Re-

She sent news that Bill DENHAM, Paul WOJTOWICZ, and Chris GROSJEAN are all in PIT at Randolph on their way to Vance to be IPs. Cordis FOSTER separated from the AF and he and his family (wife, Denise, and daughters Haley and Challis) are living in the Denver area. Jenny (MAYERS) BAUTISTA servist.

and her husband, Mike (’94), are moving to Altus in May and Jenny is separating best of luck! from the AF in April Chris SKORA wrote from Randolph and is getting ready to head from IFF to F16 FTU with the guard unit at Kelly AFB, TX this March. Travis WILDS is also with him and is soon to be the proud father of twins! He saw Chris GROSJEAN at Randolph (see above). Jim STUMBO wrote that he is marrying Jennifer Gray th He leaves for England in April, will (not the actress!) in Montana on June 30 come back for the wedding, and then they will head back to England. Jon “Guido” CORY got married on March 3rd to Diana. She has two boys, Justice (almost three) and Greyson (17 months) and they are great. Halsey BURKS and Dana DALLAS were planning on attending the wedding—we’ll be looking for photos!

Best of luck to all on the upcoming nuptials!

Beau BILEK wrote from San Diego where he is on the border patrol and looking into grad school. He went to Travis KOCH’s wedding in November where John NEMECECH, Jason BOLLANDER, Jason and Sheri TONE, Mike PUGH, Jake MALLOY, Benji GLAZER, Mike MILLS, Jason COCKRUM, Jon DECKER, Matt BROOKS (’97), John HAMBY, iy LITTLE, Jason RISCHEL, and Beau enjoyed a great event. In March he’s playing in a hockey tournament in Las Vegas with Jon DECKER, Dan MCALLISTER, Rocky NORTHON, Mark DEGERONIMO (’96), Tony RETKA (‘94), Tony ROE (‘93) and a few others. That will be one for the record books!

Len CABRERA wrote that life is pretty hectic! He recently got back from a twoday trip (24 hours in the car) to go to Frank DELSING’s wedding in Alton, IL (by Scott AFB). Frank married the girl he left behind when he transitioned to C-130s and moved to Alaska congrats! Len is still at Hurlburt Field and will be finished with his MBA in April, then will head to the Academy as an economics teacher... woo hoo!

Dr Paul MORTON wrote from Portland, ME, where he is in his second year of emergency medicine residency program, but thanks to a fractured thumb tele skiing on New England ice, he doesn’t have the longer hours. He is planning on teaching a month-long wilderness medicine elective with three other ER docs in —

Richard and Amy Bejtlich get a first-class tour of the Pyramids.

Without telling me about himself, Chuck BAIRD also shared info from those who’ve updated their info on the class home page. Those reporting in included; Leslie “Houston” DAVIS (Houston TX, civilian budget manager), George (CHRISTOPHER) JOHNS (Cherry Hill NJ, Reserve civil engr, full-time mom to Haley, married to Doug, ’93), Jonathan LANDIS (Little Rock; C-130 Nav, baby: Savannah), and Michelle and Ben (COOKE) DALE (Palmdale; Flight Test Engineer). Jennifer (PATRICK) SOVADA (Kirtland; ISR test manager) wrote about her Boston wedding to CJ SOVADA and their honeymoon to the Canary Islands. World traveler Kathy CLEVELAND (Kirtland) sent a picture (see top of next column) of the wedding, with CJ, Jen, Kathy, Alex KEECHLE and Chaplain John Kenyon and his wife Isie (SCHWARZ, ’87).

Also checking in were Rod LIBERATO (Sheppard; asst fit CC), Pat BOGUE (Pope; CCT), Jeff SANDROCK (Wright Pat; Public Affairs), Ryan KENNY (San Jose, senior electrical engineer for Lockheed Martin), and Jeanne WILKINS (York PA, grad student at Johns Hopkins, in ANG at Harrisburg IAP). Mike REED (Schriever) is about to uproot young Brittany (four) and Jordan (two) to cross-train to Acquisitions. He should probably contact Rebecca (MEDENWALDT) ERWIN (Wright Pat), who had to leave maintenance to do the same

she definitely misses her old life! Rob GUDIKUNST (Offutt) and his bride, Nicole (PATRICK), just left UPT at Columbus —

with their son Patrick, while Kristi KLUCK attempts to rebuild Chicago’s Midway Airport as a project engineer with Clark Construction.

Chris FORD (Dyess; SF ops officer) and his four ladies (he and his wife have three daughters!) are enjoying Abilene after an 18-month Air Force boondoggle that earned him a master’s in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina. KB and Wendy (WACHOLTZ) BARNES wrote from Newport News, where he’s enjoying dependent status as a student in the JD/MBA program at William & Mary, and Wendy (Langley) is expecting their first child.

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May for the University of Massachusetts. The elective is 21 days in the field, split between altitude mountaineering, whitewater, and desert environments... all in Utah. Can you say SERE? Enjoy! Paul sent some photos but there were too many from people this time so they should be in later!

Jeff and Christine CALLAHAN-WEEKS (‘97) love being stationed in England together. Jeff KRONEWITTER is currently an air/air defense analyst in the “land of lost wages,” Nellis AFB. Brandon CUFFE is doing quite well back in Colorado Springs working at Falcon AFB in charge of multi-million dollar projects.

John and Leslie (JACOB-97) MORO and their daughters Caitlyn Marie (four) and Madison Elise (eight months) wrote from San Angelo, TX, where he is a materials manager with Ethicon (subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson). Jon and Karen VEAZEY are moving to C-Springs where he will be flying at USAFA—best of luck! Missy (HYLAND) MAY wrote from Kunsan where she is “stationed with about eight other grads just in my squadron alone.” Here is the photo she sent looks like a fun group!

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or need a realtor for an

I can get you hooked upcoming move, give me a call up! (Had to get that plug in there!) let me know how things are! Until next time... from the HeartKeep in touch land, Becky.

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Melissa S. Cunningham 9712 Hidden Valley Road

^

Vienna, VA 22181 DSN: 732-5191

E-mail: Melissa.cunningham@pentagon.af.mil •

or

frncunningham@aol.com

Percent members: 59

Fred and I are embarking on a one-year I’m sure this year will be fast and furious, but we are really excited... to get out of Del Rio. So for any of you that are coming this way for your AETC tour, it’s not the end of the world, just the end of Texas. Nah, really, I’m just kidding. This has been a great assignment. The people there are incred-

Greetings from our nation’s capitol!

tour of the Pentagon.

ible and that’s what made the difference.

This year not only brings change to Fred and I, but to many of you as well. June marks the end of our initial five-year commitment. I’ve talked to several folks that are on their way out, but it seems like many will still serve time in the Reserves. If you are doing a five and dive, please continue to write in and send pictures. It’s going to get harder and harder to stay in touch when we aren’t running into each other in the system. So please drop a line when you get the chance.

The '95 Juvats from left are Mike “Spade" Waite, Chris "Lude” Kibble, Job “Habib” Shultz, Rich “Chewie" Murray, Missy “Shock" (Hyland) May, and Jon “Meat” Tinsley.

Not pictured are Toby "1'obi” Brallier and Adam “no nickname” Meyers.

There are a bunch of ‘95ers at the Kun flying F-16s. The Juvats include Mike ‘Spades” WAITE who just finished IP upgrade and will be PCSing to Germany for an ALO assignment. Chris "Lude” KIBBLE showed up from Moody and is the most he just completed four-ship flight lead popular guy in Korea with the ladies upgrade. Jon “Habib” SHULTZ just married a JAG who is stationed up at Osan; so as newlyweds, people don’t see much of either of them. Rich “Chewie” MURRAY is he holds the record for doing 29 shots at his Juvat already a legend at the Kun Boys Choir tryout and for his next assignment, he’ll corrupt young pilots at watch out! Jon “Meat” TINSLEY (yes, he lets people call him Jon) is Sheppard currently going through IP upgrade and has extended a few months here in hopes of getting a weapon’s school slot. Missy “Shock” (HYLAND) MAY is there for her first F-16 assignment and is extending for six months because her husband, Mike MAY, just PCSed to Osan where he’ll also be flying vipers for his first assignment.

They’ll be at Misawa for their follow-on assignment. Adam “AJ” MEYERS just showed up as a new IP and Toby ‘Yobi” BRALLIER just PCSed to be an instructor at Luke. Over in the Pantons are the following: Nate “Gizmo” HANSON, Mike “Bolt” —

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BARTEN, Brad “Juice” GLENN, and Sean BERNARDINI. How will we ever learn all of these nicknames? There are a bunch more up at Osan including Brad SEGER, Chris HUMMEL, Don KANG, Chris JONES, Bill BETTS, and Jim COLLINS, who are all flying Vipers: and Scott CERONE, Mike CURLEY and Andy STONE are flying A10s. Ty LITTLE is flying C-12s up at OSAN and he and Scott CERONE still KTP on a regular basis. They sometimes stand out in the hallway and call minutes to each other in the mornings and they get together to shine their boots in the evenings— keep it up guys you’ll be AOCs soon!

Julie PRICE wrote from Virginia where she is working in Rosslyn since separating from the AF in December. She also got her master’s in mechanical engineercongrats! The photo ing from New Mexico State University before getting out here is of her “baby,” a Harley Davidson Sportster Hugger.

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Julie Price with her new baby in New Mexico.

You GO girl! She also wrote that Matt KOZMA is in the D.C. area and is getting out soon to work for the same company as Julie. They will both be in the Re-

Mathes and Jennifer Mennel The first picture comes from Matt and Jenny MENNEL. They were married on 8 July 2000 in Los Angeles. I heard from more than one of our classmates that it was the event of the year. Since the wedding, Matt and Jenny have been very busy. They moved to Colorado Springs where Matt is back in the Athletic Department as the head JV soccer coach and is assistant coaching the varsity team.

Along with coaching, he has a full load teaching: boxing, basketball, unarmed combat, and volleyball. It’s amazing what you can do with a Bachelor of Science.

2001 looks to bring more challenges as he tries to help the Falcons return to form and reach the NCAA tournament.

I had the privilege of meeting Jenny last March and she is a class act, ladies and gentlemen. I’m still not sure how Matt charmed her, but he is definitely a lucky man. After planning the wedding, Jenny began her Master’s of Business Administration degree at the University of Colorado in C-Springs. Despite the heavy workload with group projects, papers, and presentations, she continues to do

independent web marketing consulting when she gets a free minute. She is also training for the Steamboat Springs Marathon on June third. They did get a bassett hound puppy, Hoss, who is keeping their backyard safe for democracy. In his Christmas letter, Matt wrote, “It is often said that dogs are precursors to children.

Judging by Hoss’s behavior and our inability to temper it, well, let’s just say we have a ways to go!”

On a somber note, I received the tragic news that Justin SANDERS was killed in an aircraft crash on 21 Feb 2001. The word spread pretty fast through the unofficial channels, and many of us were able to make it out to Vance AFB for the memorial service. It continues to amaze me what lengths grads will go to for their friends and classmates. We all gathered at a local bar the night before the memorial for one last night out for Justin. Dax CORNELIUS showed up from AvianoAB. He was at the duty desk of his squadron getting ready to make a bombing run when he got the news. He left his gear at the desk and headed to the airport. He couldn’t get a flight out to the U.S., so he caught a plane to Belgium and then over to the U.S. His bags didn’t make it to Oklahoma, but Dax did, and he paid his respects to his friend.

Tony PRINCIPI is another one who dropped everything to come out to Enid. He was getting ready for a deployment to the sandbox, when he called home just prior to his departure. His mother gave him the news and he changed his ticket to come to Oklahoma. Mike and Melissa CONLEY flew in and spent two weeks with Justin’s father and Carrie, his wife. Tim and Amy MORRIS came from Ft. Lewis, WA. Others gathered at Enid were Nate HESSE, Mike FELONA, Matt MENNEL, Bob and

there, too. Rolf LUNDMARK is stationed at FE Warren in missiles and owns a home in Ft. Collins, CO; I’m sure he is enjoying life out there! also in Heard from Michelle JOHNSON who is in law school at Notre Dame

BRYANT, Julie THODE, Mark HICKMAN, Ryan HURT, Kerre SCARBOROUGH, Fred and Melissa CUNNINGHAM, Mike McDERMOTT, Melissa BAUMANN, Justin HANSON, and Brad Hall.

After a reverent memorial service, we all gathered in the O’Club with Justin’s

the Reserves. Doing fantastic and staying incredibly busy! A1 ADAMS wrote me a long e-mail and I didn’t get it saved in time—but I do remember he is doing well and staying very busy with community and military activities. I hope I did not forget anyone I am sure I probably did. If you are moving into the Wichita area

His squadron commander offered three toasts and made some presentations to Justin’s family. Afterward, it almost turned into an open mike night.

We all got up and told some of our favorite stories about Justin. Of course they were all funny, because Justin was a riot with an infectious laugh. It was almost

serves

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108

Melissa

squadron.

a mini-reunion for the Class of ‘96 and the lacrosse team. There were some good laughs, good drinks, and good stories because we know that’s the way that Justin

would have wanted it. But I think Mike FELONA said it best when he stated, “I wish we could come together like this and remember these times because we came on our own not because we were all drawn here.” And we were all drawn there that night for Justin. Our class reunion won’t be for another 4 1/2 years, but we should make the most of the time we’re given now to get together with our friends and family.

A week later, we met again in Colorado Springs to pay our final respects. He

given an F-15 missing man formation from the unit that he was to join later that year. This is probably the hardest thing I’ve personally been through and I know that the feeling is only magnified for his family and closest friends. Even despite this, it made me proud to be from a place where friendships form such was

their way to Seymour Johnson. Melissa will be separating this summer to be a full-time mom. She told me she’s about to have 365 days of leave, we expect a visit to D.C. Tim KAO cross-commissioned into the Marine Corps but managed an assignment to Peterson AFB. Brian SHUMWAY just left C-21s at Offutt AFB and is now at Little Rock flying C-130s. Kristi LOWENTHAL is working up in the History Department at USAFA and plans to wed this spring. Kerre BARKER and Amber (MASON) O’GRADY are expecting. Brian BURR is in the T-l right now at Laughlin AFB. Finally, Chris WHITE—who is going by Chris Jenson now—is finishing up his assignment in D.C. and hopes to get a job in information technology somewhere in the Middle East. You have to look up this guy’s senior picture. It’s the funniest one in the yearbook.

That’s all for now! If you are ever in D.C. give me a call. Please keep sending pics and update info with the AOG. Thanks, Mel

strong bonds. It’s hard to explain to people who do not share our same experience why you need two weeks off to spend time with your passing friend’s family (thanks Mike and Melissa). I don’t know if we would have gotten that close anywhere else. I hope to have some pictures of our gathering and some words from Justin’s father, a really incredible man, next time around. A memorial fund has been established in memory of Justin and Judy Sanders. Make checks payable to Jenks High School and send to: Justin and Judy Sanders Memorial —

Fund, 201 East B Street, Jenks OK 74037 To lighten it up, I have some more pictures from Blair KAISER.

I can always

count on him to send some crazy stuff.

First the AFA Superheroes. I’m hoping this was for Halloween, not just a night on the town, but he doesn’t specify. I’ll leave it up to your imagination.

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr. PSC #80, Box 17707 APO AP 96367-7707

Work e-mail: melvin.maxwell@kadena.af.mil Home e-mail: mel_maxwell97@hotmail.com

DSN: 315-634-1067

Commercial: 011-81-6117-33-5646 Percent members: 66 What’s going on folks? By the time this comes out it’ll be just about time that we’ve shed those silver bars for the captain variety. Congratulations to all! Speaking of captains, Jerry HALLMAN sent me e-mail the other day. If you remember,

Jerry cross-commissioned into the Army and actually pinned on 1 Dec 2000. Jerry is currently the regiment adjutant for a heavy cavalry regiment with over 200 M1A2 tanks and several hundred Bradley Fighting Vehicles. He’s been a platoon leader, an executive officer, and squadron adjutant before his current position.

Jerry says the West Pointers treat him well but he remains loyal to the blue and silver during Army-Air Force week. He is currently at Fort Knox but will PCS to Fort Campbell, SC for the Army’s version of Squadron Officer School. After that, Jerry may be doing a stint at West Point teaching in the history department. If anyone would like to get a hold of Jerry and hear about the “ARMY OF ONE”, let me know and I’ll pass you his contact information.

Speaking of cross-commissioning, Mehdi DARAKJY dropped me a line the other day. Mehdi is in the Marine Corps doing a seven-month rotation through Okinawa.

Unfortunately, he was in the field when I finally was able to try to contact him.

Hopefully I can pass on some news of his experiences come next issue.

Alright, time to talk about the blue-suiters. Last issue I told you about our class fitness queen, Tanji JOHNSON. Here is the photo I promised.

From left are: Supergirl, Rick Wells, '91; Green Lantern, Dave Brynteson, '94; Aquaman, Todd Stearns, '94; The Flash, Blair Kaiser, '96; Jr. Miss Cowboy Cheerleader, Ty Little, '95; Superman, Jason Tone, '95; and Tone’s Superdog, Ed. News from the Great State of Alaska: Jenn HAMMERSTEDT is now a MX offreer there. Johan DEUTCHER, an F-15 driver will be headed to D.C. as well for AFIR Tom LIVINGSTON is the “Finance WJiiz” there. Blair says that he’s the quickest TDY voucher filer in the AF. Jay BICE and Jeff DILL are both C-130 Navs. Paul WILLINGHAM just left to attend JSUPT at Vance. Brent HIMES just got a 15month extension at Elmendorf. And Blair is on his way to fly the tweet—probably dreaming of Del Rio right now.

Tanji Johnson Ben BUSCH gave me a holler from Sheppard. After serving as an engineer at

Rick Wells’ Alaska Farewell Party. From left are: Kevin McAdoo (REU ’96), Dave Brynteson, '94; Jay Bice, '96; Blair Kaiser, '96'Chris Rice, '97; “Chic” Wells, '91; Jim

Tuite, '97; Brett Schumer, '98; Jason Tone, '95; and Mark Brunworth, '91.

Finally other random news in stream of consciousness fashion: Corbin and Kirstin (MURRAY) SPRAKER are expecting their second child. Their first, Sierra, was born two years ago. They are both stationed at Fairchild flying helicopters.

Michael MARTINEZ is a newlywed. He married a gal from Colombia. I’m still waiting to get the full scoop on that. Brent KELLY is stationed at Miami University as a ROTC instructor. You can reach him at sensational808@hotmail.com (isn’t that so B.K.—.its killin’ me). Stacy GEORGILAS is still riding her Harley all over L.A. She is hoping to finish her PhD in space or physics (something like

that) sometime this next year. Can you believe that, a PHD? Andy DODD is back in the Springs working in CE. John CORNETT is also in CE and is finishing his assignment in San Antonio. Bob and Melissa BRYANT are on

Kelly AFB for two years right out of the Academy, Ben ran into some good fortune. The heart condition (a leaky valve) that kept him out of flight school was healed. He discovered it when a doctor friend of the family in San Diego had a look at his heart. He immediately went to the flight doctor at Kelly and initiated a flight physical and started scrambling to fill out paperwork. Once they finally verified the heart condition no longer existed, he sent in his application for UPT and was selected for ENJJPT. He started at Sheppard AFB in October of 1999, and graduated on 8 Dec 2000 with class 01-02 as a DG. He started IFF in March at Randolph AFB and will start RTU at Luke AFB in May. Ben’s seen a number of ’97 IPs around Sheppard including Shane HAMMACHER, Andy TAYLOR, and Chuck CREECH. He ran into Neil KISTLER in the hall who was apparently doing IFF here at Sheppard, then going on to DM for the A-10. He also corresponds with Eric FAGERLAND in the Triple Nickle over in Italy, who always has something motivational to say about what he is doing.

Wendy PALATINUS wrote from Barksdale. She was quite happy having pulled off the minor miracle of getting a joint spouse assignment despite the fact she wasn’t even married! Wendy is leaving the B-52 to fly KC-lOs at McGuire. By the time this is in print, she’ll have left Louisiana to marry Scott DEVENISH and then

Visit the AOG Web Site

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www.aog-usafa.org 109

will probably be in Travis learning to fly the KC-10 before returning back to McGuire for wedded bliss. Two more single ‘97ers bite the dust.

Speaking of marriages, Kyle MINARIK, a T-l FAIP at Vance, recently got married to Kelly Guymon of San Antonio, TX. They were married on Valentine’s Day on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten.

and Bill SMITH also passed through in February on their way to Japan. She thinks they are flying KC-lOs at Travis. Joy also wrote that there was an article in Parade which comes with the Sunday paper there about the military magazine presence in Okinawa. There is a picture of Erica COTTRELL and her family, all of whom were featured in the article on Sunday, March 11. Mark HUSINGFELD (I —

—

never could

spell his name!) just arrived and is flying F-16s there at Eielson.

And lastly, I heard from Matt DUNKER, who spent time this fall in Saudi where Pat FOX was getting ready to leave. Foxy loves it up here and is thinking about

buying a house and asking the AF for a waiver so he can finish his commitment up here. While he was in SWA, Rob EVERT came over from GF and Rachel TUKEY came in as they were leaving. While Matt was gone, Kerrie DUNKER (GRIBUSKI)

working diligently as the head of Logistics of the Grand Forks Clinic. She completed a few more classes for her master’s and trained to be a volunteer at the local crisis intervention line. John BORIA is in Grand Forks, and so are a bevy of other dominators that have shown up in the past year. Hopefully it will get warmer there soon. Matt talked with Les HAUCK, who got an F-16, and is going to Cannon where Ryan SAVAGEAU is already, and Doug RIGGS is going to Aviano. Billy HEPLER is now a father of a little kid, and flying B-ls in Dyess about once a month.

Ok, that’s all for this quarter. I hope you are all happy and healthy. Let me know how you are doing, and send pictures if you have them. Enjoy your sum-

was

mer! Karin

Kyle Minarik and his wife, Kelly, in St. Maarten.

Congratulations are also in order for Samantha GLINSKI who got engaged to Curtis Weeks who she met in Turkey last summer. They are actually both from upstate New York and grew up within an hour and half from each other. Curtis

just PCSed from Wright-Pat to teach freshmen chemistry at the Academy.

The

James W. Busch 220B Polaris St.

Sheppard AFB, TX 76311 (940) 851-7994 E-mail: jbusch99@msn.com Percent members: 64

wedding is planned for June.

For about a week in January, it seemed like I couldn’t walk through the passenger terminal without seeing a classmate. I saw Jen BRANNAN in the snack bar.

She was in flying C-5s out of Travis. She remarked that Deron MYERS, Chad GREINER, and Nick LEONELLI also fly C-5s out of Travis and Adrian SMITH does Intel. I ran into Matt CUNNINGHAM the next day. He flies KC-135S out of Robins AFB, GA (PCSing soon). Probably about two days later, I walked by Lane THOMPSON in flight planning. He was out of Dover with the rest of his C-5 crew.

Then finally that weekend, Alex PUPICH (flying C-130s out ofYokota) stopped in to see my roommate Jamie MAUNZ.

Speaking of Jamie, he was down in Las Vegas in March for Red Flag. He, Brad HOLTMEIER and DJ LEARY (both still at Los Angeles AFB), and I all got together

for a bash in Las Vegas. Some of the names we talked about were recently married Jay BUCK, Devin BLOSS who is now at Elmendorf, and stories of Mike SHRIEVER and his piddle pack. It was a lot of fun with an endless stream of smack talking, war stories, and “cadet jokes.” Brad is right... cadet jokes never

get old. In fact, I think they get better with age.

Lastly, one of my ‘98er buddies, John BEURER (flying Hueys in Malmstrom),

passed along that Mark HUDNALL and Bob FRANCIS are also up north. Alright folks, I’ve got an appointment with the Dean of Faculty. Talk to you soon... Mel. Karin (Klein) McWhorter 118 Summerglen Ridge

Newport News, VA 23602 Home: (757) 249-3211 / DSN: 574-7989

E-mail: (W)Karin.McWhorter@Langley.af.mil (H) kleinmcwhorter@aol.com Percent members: 61

Hello again ‘98. By the time this is printed, we should all be enjoying the beginning of our third year in the Air Force and the pay raise that goes along with it!

There isn’t a lot of information for this article, so it will be a little shorter than normal. When you read this, please take a minute and send a quick e-mail.

Things are good here at Langley, but it has been a while since I have run into any classmates here. I know there are quite a few either at ACC or in the fighter squadrons, but I haven’t seen them. Protocol here is busy as usual, and I got to meet the President in February, which was cool.

I just got back from a trip to Columbus AFB, where I know there are still a few ‘98ers, but I only ran into Stu ALLEY. He is currently a T-37 IP and will go to C130s when he is done.

HP w

Aloha Shiners! I am actually writing this article from Hawaii, thanks to a hop from Altus to Hickam and a military rate at a cheap hotel in Waikiki. The trick heaven forbid I have to spend a few extra days here! The will be getting back best news out of Sheppard is that Travis WALTERS and Mike ANDERSON, both of whom originally started UPT in fall ‘99, are back in the program after long battles with medical issues. It’s conceivable that they could have fellow classmates as IPs in T-38s. How crazy would that be! Good luck guys and go get 'em.

Additionally, another group of us has graduated from ENJJPT. Jason YONG, Kevin PRITZ, Greg BARASCH, and Matt RENBARGER; all got F-16s. In other pilot news, Jim OLDEN graduated from Laughlin DG and took a C-21 to Andrews with a C-17 follow-on. Monique FARNESS wrote to say that Laughlin class 01-04 is finishing up. Geoff FUKOMOTO got an F-15C, Jason OBRIEN was FAIPed back to Laughlin for T38s, and Blake JOHNSON will be enjoying some more time as a FAIP in the T1. Kari HAMILTON got a C-17 to Charleston and Jason GREENLEAF will be flying the C-21 out of Ramstein. The rest got KC-135S —Aaron WIRTZ is going to Grand Forks, Justin PAUTLER to McConnell, and Monique is going to Fairchild.

There’s not too much in the way of wedding news this time around. Pat MCDONOUGH is getting hitched to a girl from dental school and Chris BACKUS and his wife, Sage, are expecting their first child in August. Chris also mentioned that Ed RIVERA got a KC-135 to Kadena. Remember that you can mail or e-mail me your pictures, and if my address isn’t handy go to www.usafa99.com and there is a link there to my e-mail.

I spent early January snowboarding in Tahoe with John FENWICK. When not out snowboarding, John is still a student at MIT finishing up his master’s and working for Draper labs building robots. John’s theory is, “Any number of classes is manageable as long as you don’t have to march to them.” Pending a successful PRK surgery John will join the student pilot ranks; otherwise he will take an engineering job down the road at Hanscom. John recently was stopped by the police and ticketed for running a red light on his bicycle. Be on the look for him in an upcoming episode of Cops. Seth DEAM, also finishing up his master’s (at Harvard) and who also received PRK surgery, is getting married in May. Seth too is hoping to get a UPT slot; otherwise he’ll take a job as an analyst at Eglin. That’s about it for the quarterly Cambridge update.

President's Day weekend I was visited by Sean BAERMAN, Dan DIEHL, and Rob SLANGER. Sean is in T-38s at Vance, Dan is in B-l RTU at Dyess and will follow on at Ellsworth, and Rob is in KC-135 RTU at Altus and will follow on at —

He is also interested in the U-2 program and is about to Good Luck, Stu! I thought I might run into Beth

begin the interview process.

MAKROS (CRIMMEL), a T-38 student, Greg HEITPAS or Scott SMITH, both T-37 instructors, but no luck. As for me, I keep busy between work and school. I will

finish my Master of Science in education this August and possibly start teaching a night class at one of the universities here. My husband is still in pilot training nice to see joint spouse in action! and we will be apart at least another year —

OK, on to the three updates I got this month...

The first is from Jeremy GORDON who wrote to say that he got married to a for putting up with me”) woman named Nicole (his words not mine!). She’s from Toledo, OH. They got married last September while Jeremy was in RTU at Luke. He got Vipers out of Sheppard and from Luke he got assigned to Shaw. He is currently a member of the 77th FS at Shaw. Brad KLEMESRUD is in the 79th and Brett COMER is in the 55th out here.

Brett is getting married in Hawaii in August. Brad TURNER is finishing up at Luke and is on his way to Shaw in a few months. Pat MCCOY is flying C-17s out of

wonderful (“and obviously patient

—

Charleston, and Jeremy is still trying to get in touch with him. Chad BURDICK just showed up in the 77th and Scott SIETING should be out here soon.

The next update is from Joy BOSTON, who is still working air traffic control at Eielson. She wrote that Frank COOPER was at Eielson at the beginning of March for arctic survival school and Brett SCHUMER was also in his class. Jason BELL

110

Rob Slanger, me, Dan Diehl, and Sean Baerman enjoying the sunshine in North Texas over President’s Day weekend.

Grand Forks. Rob also mentioned he recendy saw Spencer BURKHAULTER get married to his bride, Christy, in Houston. At the wedding he saw Joe STAR and

Kerry REDMANN. Joe is in Comm at Gunter Annex, Montgomery AL. Kerry is flying T-44s at Corpus Christi. Spencer is in T-ls at Columbus. Rob also saw Ben

Anyway, everyone seems to be doing fine. Everyone’s getting hitched left and some of you have already had children! Jeff SCOTT registered on the right class Website (USAFA2000.com for you slackers who haven’t registered yet) and —

mentioned that a son is on the way.

JONSSON wed his bride, Heather, in Annapolis, MD back in November. Ben is

Speaking of weddings, the here is a picture is from Chuck YEAGER's wedding.

going to Charleston to fly the C-17. Also recendy married is David PETERS to his wife, Vanessa. They are going to Dover so Dave can fly the C-5. Jeff LAMPORT is at Altus along with Rob, and he is going to McGuire to fly the C-141. Also, Rob passed along a rumor that Shawn Hatch got his C-47 helicopter out of Fort Rucker.

Chuck is currently in UPT at Columbus. In December, he married Danielle TUTT (c/o 1999). Classmates present, from left, were Brian PETERSON (ENJPT at

In other helo news, Scott NICHOLS got a MH-60 to Nellis.

Sheppard AFB), John TRUMM (Casual at Pope AFB, waiting for UPT at Columbus), Joe BONNER (UPT at Columbus AFB), and Daniel MORTENSEN (Grand Forks AFB as an engineer).

Zach ARNT wrote to say he is working at a resort in Guam helping guests with various outdoor activities. I think the tourists there are in for a litde surprise.

Zach got his EMT-Basic and SCUBA Divemaster certifications and is looking forward to diving the WWII wrecks around Guam.

Last but not least, let me be the first to congratulate everyone on the big step up to First Lieutenant. By all means send me pictures and stories of the pin-on parties the best ones to be presented in the next exciting issue of Checkand activities —

points. Take a minute to ponder what new responsibilities come with wearing the silver bars. Can you believe it’s been two years already? Until next time

-

James.

Jason “JW” Simmons 110 Mara Court

Prattville, AL 36066 E-mail: Simmons@usafa.com Percent members: 59

We are coming up on one full year of being officers and time has flown by quickly. Soon many of us will be having class of 2001 graduates coming into our squadrons or be running in to them on base. Remember, they will be looking to us for guidance, so let’s not lead them too far astray.

I’ve recently moved to Maxwell AFB, AL and been assigned to the 42ndCommunications Squadron. I am working on the Technology Team at Air University and

will be headed to Keesler AFB, MS for Comm School this summer. I ran into Marta while she was on a cross-country flight at Burger King of all places BI JZNIAK from Columbus. I also bumped into Matt ASTROTH, Erik AXT, and Joann KENNEALLY at a country music club in Destin, FL. Dana HANSEN is now a personnel officer at Corry NAS, FL with Detachment 1,325th Fighter Wing taking care of our navs and pilot trainees, along with all the other AF folks that are stationed at Corry and Pensacola NAS. Dana is engaged to Brian Granger from the class of2001.

Other classmates have emailed me with their current updates. Ryan BOWERS is a squadron section commander at the 381st Intelligence Squadron at Elmendorf AFB. She says that she will be in Alaska until 2003. Also in Alaska is Brandon ACHESON; he and his wife, Tanja, are way up north at Eielson AFB. Brandon is assigned to the 354th Communications Squadron where he is managing the Theater Battle Management Office.

Bridget O. BLANCO is getting married to Matthew GRAHAM at the end of March. It is a simple civil marriage in Anchorage; the church wedding and huge fiesta will be in Chicago in June 2002. Matt just finished Ranger School and will be an Airborne Ranger in Alaska at Ft. Richardson with the 501st Airborne.

Bridget is stationed at Elmendorf AFB (right next to Ft. Richardson) and doing the AFOSI special agent thing and enjoying it. Bridget wishes to relay that she

Derek WILLIAMS recently got married

—

see

photo (my apologies to Derek

and his family as I have lost the outline information for the picture

—

blame it on

the upgrade to AOL 6.0). I believe his wife’s name is Heather.

—

—

will no longer be the BOB; by the end of March she will be Bridget GRAHAM,

and the O is going into retirement.

Bessie FONTENOT defended her thesis on the first of March. She was happy to be officially done with that project and just has to wait out classes at CSU. Laura TERRY and Jen ENGH are still there also and doing great in their programs. Jason HOFFMAN has been at Sheppard AFB, TX for AMOC training for the last few months, but plans to return to his squadron at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. When he returns he will be in charge of the Ammo Flight with 250 enlisted troops.

Jenny STEHWIEN and Mike LEWIS were engaged in February. The wedding will take place in October. Jenny is working at Randolph AFB as an aerospace physiologist and Mike is currently at Laughlin AFB in pilot training. ROB ELLIS,

currently at Goodfellow AFB in INTEL school, will be graduating in late June.

He enjoyed ABC back in August and is looking forward to leaving San Angelo, TX. He’ll find out where he is headed closer to graduation.

Micaela (BENTSON), now BRANCATO, will finish up her Gold Bar assignment at Texas Tech in July 2001. Then she will PCS to a tanker/transport base

(de-

pending on her husband’s completion of pilot training) to begin Aircraft Maintenance. Amy M. RIVERA is finishing up her tour as Gold Bar here at Rochester Institute of Technology, and will be PCSing to Lackland AFB for her next assignment where she will be for the next two years as a Security Forces Officer. JOY SHUCK (HARWOOD) completed the T-37 track just recently and is now in T-l training at Columbus AFB, MS. I talked recently with Jeremy EGGERS, who said the following: I’m off to ABC in I’m looking forward to the vacation. Also, I think a few of us will about a week be able to swing down to Florida to see some of the folks who are currently APT there. Haven’t heard or kept in touch with too many people. Went to the movie “Thirteen Days” recently and ran into Jim MARION while there he’s on his way to pilot training. Jon-Michael KERESTES finished up tech school in San Antonio and is heading back to Langley, where he will be “in charge” of some 80 folks. she is doing all kinds of Dorothy DELUZ is stationed at Schriever with me good deeds in the community (soup kitchen, etc.), but says her job is a little boring. Eli BREMER is heading off on some boon TDY to Mexico City to participate in the World Cup. He’s hoping the World-Class athlete program moves to three years, in which case, he’ll stay in the Springs and work on his Pentathlon skills.

Mark VANWEEZENDONK is nearing the end of Intel school and will be stathe two plan to be tioned at Lackland AFB, TX. Edie POPE is already there married in late October.

That’s it for me the following is from Aaron LAPP, who is surviving ENJPT at Sheppard AFB: “On 30 Dec 2000 friends and family gathered in Colorado Springs to celebrate the marriage of Kerrick KRILL and Erin Sherwood. The festivities began with the rehearsal dinner at Colorado favorite Beau Jo’s pizza. With the all-you-caneat dinner behind them, the wedding party and saber bearers prepared for a traditional cadet chapel service. The wedding went without a hitch and Erin was welcorned to the Air Force family as she walked out of the chapel on Kerrick’s arm.

‘Following the ceremony was a spectacular reception at Patty Jewett Golf Club, which included plenty of dining, dancing, and a tear-jerking speech by the groom himself. Included in the wedding party were Kerrick who just started pilot training at Sheppard, and his groomsman, Scooter WHITE, who is currently acting as guinea pig for the T-6A Texan test program at Randolph and loving the extra hours.

The saber bearers included: Aaron LAPP, who is finally through with his T-37 lowlevel check-ride at Sheppard; Jeff SMITH, who is at Columbus and the owner of a brand new (slightly scuffed) motorcycle; Tom BOWMAN, who is waiting to start pilot training at Del Rio; and Brian UNKS, who recently started at Sheppard; Mike LEWIS at Del Rio who is recently engaged to Jen STEHWIEN who was also in attendance; and Carl HAGGERTY also newly engaged to Danielle KOVACS. Other class of2000 members in attendance were Henry SCHANTZ, who recently passed his first check ride at Sheppard; Jose CASTANEDA, who while waiting for pilot training is working in life support at Sheppard (keep up the good work!); and Matt PHILLIPS, who managed to pull himself away from his graduate school textbooks long enough to join us. All had a good time especially Jeff who managed to steal three or four dances with the new bride.”

If you want to let everyone know what you have been doing, send me a message at Simmons@USAFA.com or Jason.Simmons@Maxwell.af.mil.

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Utah at USAFA & Reunion AOG Tailgate USAFA at San Diego State University

Oct. 13

USAFA at Navy Wyoming at USAFA, Homecoming & Reunion AOG Tailgate

Oct. 20

USAFA at BYU

Oct. 27

USAFA at New Mexico

Nov. 3 Nov. 17

Army at USAFA & Reunion AOG Tailgate USAFA at CSU (ESPN National night game) University of Las Vegas at USAFA

Nov. 24

USAFA at Hawaii

Nov. 8

rFnr tirlrpt information

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